Saskia Vogel, both an author and translator, has made significant contributions to Swedish-English literature. Known for her translations of works by Karolina Ramqvist, Katrine Marcal, and Rut Hillarp, she combines literary fiction with philosophical readings for research and pleasure, exploring titles such as Andres Neuman’s _Fractures_ and Legs McNeil’s _The Other Hollywood_. Her translation of Johannes Anyuru’s _They Will Drown in their Mother’s Tears_ particularly stands out, presenting dystopian themes that reflect contemporary Swedish culture. Vogel emphasizes Anyuru’s unique perspective on identity, noting, “He’s an absolutely essential voice, especially for audiences who might not have that much exposure to marginal faces in Swedish literature.”
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During the translation process, Vogel had no direct contact with Anyuru, relying instead on research and her understanding of cultural influences, particularly East Coast Hip-Hop's impact on Swedish language. She describes the book as a celebration of polyglot storytelling from marginalized spaces.
Vogel conveys how her translation experience has shaped her approach to writing novels. She mentions that translation has illuminated the infinite possibilities of narrative: “An entire cosmology opens up in your mind, through something that is ultimately finite.” Her debut novel, _Permission_, is a deep exploration of the BDSM world in Los Angeles, depicting the complexities of desire and non-normative relationships. The project evolved from initial non-fiction ideas, leading to richly developed characters like Echo, Orly, and Piggy.
After leaving her role at Granta Magazine, Vogel participated in the British Centre for Literary Translations’ mentorship program, which enhanced her skills as a translator. She emphasizes a meticulous translation method that preserves the original sentiment, discussing the challenges of conveying nuances across languages. “In translation, everything is a decision,” she states, highlighting the importance of balancing fidelity to the source text with the needs of the target audience.
Currently, Vogel is working on a new novel set in northern Sweden, inspired by a nature reserve and a Hip-Hop collective. She is also developing a non-fiction book, refining her angle to create a cohesive voice.
As her reputation grows, Vogel is frequently contacted for translation projects. She notes a recent commission from a literary agent who sought her expertise for a new book they were promoting. However, she critiques the Anglophone publishing industry's shortcomings, referencing the _American Dirt_ scandal as emblematic of systemic issues, particularly regarding representation and equitable pay in publishing. “The publishing industry is cutting out a giant pool of candidates if they expect people to work for such little pay,” she asserts.
In her essay for the ‘Words Without Borders’ initiative, Vogel discusses the political implications of reading and publishing practices, advocating for broader representation in the literary landscape. Her reflections underscore the necessity of engaging with diverse narratives and voices beyond conventional literary boundaries.
Saskia Vogel’s debut novel, _Permission_, is set to be published by Dialogue Books on March 26.