Ann Goldstein on Elena Ferrante and the art of translation

On this episode of The London Magazine Podcast, we speak to translator and editor Ann Goldstein, renowned for bringing Elena Ferrante’s work to English readers. A former editor at the New Yorker, Goldstein has also translated works by Primo Levi, Jhumpa Lahiri and, most recently, Donatella Di Pietrantonio’s The Brittle Age. In the episode, we discuss the oxymoron of the ‘celebrated translator’, her early encounters with Italian through Dante and the story of how she became Ferrante’s translator. Goldstein reflects on Ferrante’s unique syntax and style, as well as the broader challenges of Italian–English translation.Timestamps0.45 - The oxymoron of the ‘celebrated translator’2.44 - Dante, Italian language lessons and the New Yorker6.31 - Elena Ferrante: how it started8.05 - Ferrante’s style, syntax and appeal11.10 - Ann’s translation process: method vs instinct14.58 - Translating difficult subject matter16.09 - Technical problems in Italian–English translation23.09 - The ‘gold standard’ of translation?25.00 - Dealing with Ferrante fanaticsFollow The London Magazine Podcast here to never miss an episode. To discover more content exclusive to our print and digital editions, subscribe here to receive a copy of The London Magazine to your door every two months, while also enjoying full access to our extensive digital archive of essays, literary journalism, fiction and poetry.