Exploring Catalan Literature: An Interview Series with Quim Monzó and Others

Over the past decade, publishers such as New York Review Books, Open Letter, Archipelago, and Dalkey Archive have begun releasing works by prominent Catalan authors, achieving notable success. Translators Mary Ann Newman and Peter Roland Bush have notably brought the writings of Monzó, Josep Pla, Mercè Rodoreda, and Josep Maria de Sagarra to English-speaking audiences.

Oloomi questions the motivations and contexts that drive editors and translators in the U.S. to engage with Catalan literature, reflecting on how the act of translation can also resonate on a personal level. The ethos behind this literature, forged in response to censorship during Franco's dictatorship, emphasizes the preservation of Catalan culture and identity.

Concerns about the influence of contemporary political and economic tensions in Europe on translation are raised, alongside discussions of how translations affect the flow of ideas across borders and the recognition of literary greats in the future.

Monzó, a significant figure in Catalan literature since the 1970s, won the 2018 Premi d’Honor de les Lletres Catalanes. His literary style incorporates surrealism and dark humor, reflecting on complexities of life and language. Five of his novels have been translated into English.

The discussion turns to Monzó’s experience at the 2007 Frankfurt Book Fair, where he delivered a speech that framed Catalan literature as a product of a stateless culture. Monzó expresses his skepticism about the efficacy of political discourse in literature, indicating he prefers telling stories over delivering traditional political speeches.

When asked about the impact of independence on Catalan literature, Monzó acknowledges the desire for cultural recognition but maintains a pessimistic view of the prospects for Catalonia's future. He cites a growing discontent surrounding cultural preservation, likening it to the plight of Occitan, which suffers from marginalization.

Both Oloomi and Monzó engage in a lively conversation about the nuances of literary translation, the relationship between authors and their translators, and the perception of their works across different languages. Monzó reflects on his process of translation and the collaboration he values with his translators, noting that communication enriches the translation experience.

As they ponder notions of identity and representation in literature, Oloomi and Monzó conclude their discussion with thoughts on how Catalan literature may influence broader cultural perceptions and the importance of continuing to amplify voices from stateless nations.