In a recent interview, poet and translator Olga Livshin reflects on her new poetry collection, *A Life Replaced*, which intertwines her original work with translations from Russian poets Anna Akhmatova and Vladimir Gandelsman. Livshin’s experience as an immigrant shapes her writing, as she navigates the complexities of language and identity. The conversation, conducted over Skype with interviewee Joanna Chen, highlights Livshin's childhood in Odessa and her immigration to the U.S. at the age of 14.
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Livshin uses her poetry to explore the nuances of belonging and cultural translation, comparing her relationship to her original language to a nurturing element, suggesting that her second language feels less fulfilling. "I think, like most immigrants, I veer between two languages, two cultures," she said. She began translating during her culture shock, initially focusing on contemporary poet Nina Iskrenko and later on Gandelsman, who she views as a mentor in her poetic journey.
Discussing Akhmatova's impact, Livshin acknowledges her as a strong feminist figure who also dealt with personal hardships, which further inspires her own poetry. Livshin wrote her first poem in response to Akhmatova even before conceptualizing her book, reflecting on themes of strength and vulnerability in her work.
The conversation also delves into the deeper responsibilities of translation, which Livshin likens to an exploration of another's essence. "Translation attempts to do that... it fails in myriad ways because we can’t translate somebody without adding something," she noted. She believes that translators bring their own experiences to their work, effectively intertwining their identities with those of the authors they translate.
Livshin acknowledges her challenges with language, especially having largely stopped writing in Russian due to an uncensored audience. Still, she views poetry and translation as interconnected practices that address gaps left by language.
Having faced xenophobia upon arriving in America, Livshin emphasizes the importance of visibility and voice in supporting marginalized communities today. She has initiated a reading group in Philadelphia aimed at providing a platform for refugees and immigrants, underscoring her belief in the power of literature to effect change.
As the interview concludes, Livshin reflects on the notion of home, suggesting that the concept of refuge resonates more realistically with her experience of constant movement. Her work encapsulates the search for a sense of belonging, as highlighted in the poignant lines of her poetry.