language. Manon also points out the cultural impact linked to language and books in translation – she touches on it earlier in this piece when talking about the inclusion of references to Welsh- language books in her translated version of The Blue Book of Nebo.
She says: “I think that the impact of reading books in translation is huge. All books have the potential of introducing the reader to a new perspective, a new way of life – but naturally, new languages bring more perspectives again.” She has followed up her own translation
of Llyfr Glas Nebo with a personal change, saying: “I must admit that I hadn’t realised how few translations I myself read until Llyfr Glas Nebo was translated into different languages. I’ve made an effort to source more books in translation since then, and I feel like my world view has widened! I’m finding that most of the books in translation that are easily available are either classics, or they focus on national identity and language as a theme. There’s nothing wrong with that in itself, but a book shouldn’t have to justify its translation by focusing mainly on themes of national identity. We should have an array of different kinds of books from everywhere! “Having said that, I know that The Blue
Book of Nebo does have a strong sense of Welshness, and it does bring me a lot of joy to think that some readers may gain a greater understanding of Welsh language and culture through reading the book. “I really hope that publishers become more open to the idea of publishing books in translation. It’s about being open-minded – I never really think ‘I’ve written a book in translation’, just ‘I’ve written a book!’. With books in translation, there’s no distinction in quality, just in opportunity.”
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing The Yoto Carnegies are the UK’s oldest and best-loved children’s book awards, celebrating the work of the best writers and illustrators. Manon Steffan Ros won this years Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing for The Blue Book of Nebo, becoming the first translated title to win. During her acceptance speech Manon said: “I used to see the word Carnegie on the covers of my favourite books as a child, and the fact that The Blue Book of Nebo now has that honour bestowed upon it means more than I can say – and to be the first book in translation to win the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing is a source of great delight.
“Each language offers a unique and
enriching perspective on the world, and so literature in translation has the potential to enhance our lives greatly. Your favourite book might not yet be translated into a language that you understand.” Judges praised The Blue Book of Nebo for
its well-crafted character and world, with chair of Judges Janet Nobles saying: “In The Blue Book of Nebo, the world building and distinct voices of the two main characters, the son and his mother, are expertly realised and the reader is compelled to question their own relationship with the modern world.” PEN&INC
l The Blue Book of Nebo (Firefly Press) by Manon Steffan Ros is the winner of the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing 2023.
Autumn-Winter 2023
PEN&INC. 7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
