Journal d'un sein was translated into Spanish as Diario de un pecho
Letter from Gemma Andújar Moreno, translator of Journal d'un sein to Béatrice Maillard-Chaulin
You are absolutely right when you say that it's a small world... In Spanish, we even say that "el mundo es un pañuelo" (a handkerchief). I was very pleased to receive your mail, because now that I translated your book it's as if you were part of my family!
The translation of your text was really exciting, and of course, It was a real fun, but you also made me think about how important "little things" were when you were having a hard time (and it's a shame that we forget them too often).
In this sense, I can tell you that without my knowing of it you became to me an example to follow. Actually, we all have a "Marcel" in our lifes, either a disease or some difficult situation, and the little things are probably what saves us. At times like that, I think of you.
Concerning translation, it's true that humour is perceived differently from one country to another, but after all, you are talking about feelings in this story, and feelings are universal. Therefore, there is always a way to express the nuances of the text. I hope that my work will be equal to your story. I also work with extracts from your book during my translation classes, with my students, and I'm promoting your work to friends and family. I can even tell you that you already have a little fan club here in Barcelone, whose president is my mother!
I thank you very much for the bravery you had to share your story with me in such a special way. If one day you come to Barcelone, don't hesitate to contact me: I would be more than happy to show you the excellence of white Spanish wines.
yours sincerily
Gemma
Discover Journal d'un sein through press article
A bit of humour and tenderness
In Canada
I am convinced that we can laugh at everything.
