Literary translations at the meeting point of two cultures

Adam Sandach is an enthusiast of Finnish literature and a translator of books from Finnish into Polish. Working with Kirja, he has completed his latest project – the novel Bolla by Pajtim Statovci. This translation stands out for its subtle exploration of complex themes such as love, war, and identity. In a conversation with Weronika, Adam shares his experiences, discusses the challenges of working between two distinct languages and cultures, and lets us into his world of the nuanced art of translation.

Your translation of Bolla by Pajtim Statovci was published in Poland in August 2024. Can you give us a glimpse into what makes this novel so significant?

Bolla is a powerful novel set between 1995 and 2005, weaving together Albanian mythology with themes of identity, trauma, and the struggles of living in a society that doesn’t let you be yourself. It follows the lives of two men, an Albanian and a Serbian, who meet in Pristina and fall in love with each other. Their relationship must remain hidden, as homosexuality is not accepted, and this secrecy impacts them deeply. One of the men is married with a family; both have been shaped by the trauma of war and the pressures of societal expectations.

What elements of Bolla do you think most attract Polish readers?

From what I’ve seen, Polish readers are attracted to the emotional depth of the story. The language in Bolla is literary and sometimes poetic, which appeals to the audience. I also think that Albanian mythology and cultural elements are interesting for Polish readers, because they give an insight into a world that rarely appears in Polish literature.

Translating Bolla seems particularly challenging, with its rich cultural and mythological references. Did you collaborate with any experts or have direct conversations with Pajtim Statovci during the process?

Definitely. Translating Bolla involved thorough fact-checking, particularly with cultural references that were unfamiliar to me. I worked with a translator specializing in Albanian and consulted with Pajtim Statovci, who was incredibly helpful and open to answering my questions.

How did you first discover your passion for translating Finnish literature? 

My interest in translation started during my studies, when I realized that translating Finnish literature into Polish could help bridge the two cultures. After university, I had the opportunity to translate my first book, a detective story. It was the perfect introduction to the world of translation – simple language and an engaging storyline.

What is the most challenging part of translating Finnish literature into Polish?

The structure of the Finnish language can sometimes be difficult, as certain phrases and expressions do not have a simple equivalent in Polish. This requires adapting them to preserve the original meaning and tone. For example, long, complex Finnish sentences sometimes need to be divided into shorter ones in Polish to ensure fluency.

What is the step-by-step process of translating a book, and what are the key stages from first draft to the final refinement? 

I always start by reading the entire book to get a sense of its themes, style, and tone. Next, I move on to the first draft, translating sentence by sentence to ensure accuracy. Once that’s done, I review it again to refine the language and ensure that everything makes sense in Polish. I also look for recurring words or motifs to maintain consistency throughout the text. The final step is more of a refinement, where I address small details like punctuation and phrasing.

Do you rely solely on your skills as a translator, or does someone check your texts once they have been completed? 

As a translator, I do most of the work myself, but during the translation of Bolla I worked closely with my mentor, Sebastian Musielak, who gave me valuable feedback. More experienced translators like him usually work completely alone. The editor also plays an important role, correcting errors and fine-tuning the translation to make it accurate.

How has translation influenced your perception of Polish and Finnish culture?

It has been truly eye-opening. Working closely with both languages helps you notice subtleties and nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed. Sometimes, I’ll come across a Polish word that doesn’t mean exactly what I initially thought, or I’ll encounter Finnish words with no direct equivalent in Polish, forcing me to get creative. It’s a constant learning process that deepens my understanding of both cultures.

What’s next on your translation horizon? Are there any exciting new projects you're considering?

I’m fortunate to be able to choose my next project, which feels like a privilege. I haven’t made a final decision yet, but once I do, I’ll be happy to share it with you!

It’s been great hearing about your experiences and the passion you bring to your translation work, Adam. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you, Weronika. It was a pleasure!