Book set in Moscow – The Translator, Harriet Crawley

Submitted: 11th March 2024

The Translator – Harriet Crawley

Ever wanted to go to Russia and get behind the political wall of power? From the safety of this book of course. Ever wondered what role a translator played during a very tense time?

As a translator myself, this novel hit a nerve. I always love reading about language work and translators especially those in war time situations or times of high political drama.

Map of literary locations in The Translator

Book set in Moscow - The Translator, Harriet Crawley

BOARDING PASS INFORMATION

Destination : Moscow

Author guide: Harriet Crawley

Genre: historical, political

Food and drink to accompany: Moscow soup

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A novel to transport you to Moscow

Map of literary locations in The Translator

This book really intrigued me. Not only is it about the work of a translator, but we go behind the scenes in the political corridors of both Moscow and London.

Clive Franklin is an expert in the Russian language and works for the Foreign Office in London. He’s on a bit of a break when he is called back to work. He’s asked to head to Moscow with a delegation and the PM. Not surprisingly, he is nervous. Ok, so he speaks the language but he likes to stay ‘ safe’ behind the translators lines. Acting as an interpreter makes you more vulnerable as you are ‘live’ and visible. As a translator in this very unstable political drama, he can relax a little.

When he gets to Moscow, we get to discover the city with him. Luckily, he has time to explore and familiarize himself with the streets and landmarks of the capital. There’s a bit of a guided tour in a way around the ballet and the Metropol, as well as the politically famous Red Square and government buildings.

As I was reading this, I felt shivers up and down my spine. Relations between Russia, the UK and the West. I felt I was living the news or recent history at least and that heightened the scary experience. I got scared for Clive when he meets up with Marina who is an interpreter for the Russian President. He and Marina have history. Now, that was where the tensions really ramped up for me. The atmosphere was electric by this point.

This novel felt fresh and relevant, interesting and compelling. There is SO much to chew on here and I urge you to dive in.

Bitter Lemon Press does it again!