Tuesday, Sept. 16:
The Italian blockbuster Elena Ferrante is a mysterious author. We don’t know much of anything about who she is, or even if she’s really a woman, as the name “Elena” implies. But if anyone might know something about her, I’m going to wager it might be her translator, Ann Goldstein. And it’s your lucky day, because you’ll have a chance to hear Goldstein talking about Ferrante’s work in the excellent company of novelists Stacey D’Erasmo and Roxana Robinson. They’ll be at The Center for Fiction, 17 E. 47th St. RSVP requested. Details here. 7:00 p.m.
Also Tuesday, Sept. 16:
Words Without Borders presents Writing Exile, featuring an exhibition of work by several artists as well as readings by writer/translator Nathalie Handal as well as writers Israel Centeno, Kayhan Irani and Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo. Verso Books, 20 Jay Street, Brooklyn. Reservations strongly recommended. More information here. 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 17:
Translation Talk at Brooklyn Book Festival Bookends: a conversation on the art of translation featuring Other Press and New Directions translators Chloe Garcia Roberts, Kim M. Hastings, Yvette Siegery, Edgard Telles Ribeiro, moderated by Matvei Yankelevich, more information here. At Bookcourt, 163 Court Street, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 18:
Love science fiction? Love [literature in] translation? This is the one for you. The estimable Bridge Series is convening an evening in coordination with the Brooklyn Book Festival and in collaboration with the Translation Committee of the PEN American Center entitled “Imaginary Gardens With Real Robots in Them.” Three translators of fantastical work will be reading and chatting about what they do best: Ross Benjamin (German), Terry Gallagher (Japanese), and Michael Kandel (Polish). Given the Brooklynness of the partnership. this event will be held not in the Bridge’s usual venue (McNally Jackson) but at the bookstore Singularity & Co., located at 18 Bridge St. in Brooklyn. Details here. 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 19:
Launch event for Ready to Burst by Haitian author/artist/musician/public intellectual Frankétienne, translated from the French by Kaiama L. Glover. The event will feature the book’s author and translator in conversation with Madison Smartt Bell, and will end with a glass of wine. More information here. FiveMyles Gallery, 558 St. Johns Place, Brooklyn, 7:00 p.m.