Literary return | Ten translations to discover

Among all the foreign novels that will take us on a journey this winter, here are 10 that should definitely be added to your reading list.

The disunited kingdom, jonathan coe

In France, where the novel has already appeared, people speak of a “titanic fresco”; “perhaps Jonathan Coe’s greatest book”. The British writer tells in this family saga the story of a clan, over seven decades, through the great events that have marked the history of the country – the victory of May 1945, the coronation of Elizabeth II, the Cup of the world of 1966, the wedding of Charles and Diana… All sprinkled with this delicious irony so british which made the success of the author.

Translated from English by Marguerite Capelle. Gallimard (January)

Harlem ShuffleColson Whitehead

Harlem, at the turn of the 1960s, was Ray Carney’s playground. Ambitious young man, son of a notorious criminal in the neighborhood, he is torn between his desire to pursue a career as an honest merchant and that of enriching himself in order to climb the social ladder, even if it means getting involved in shady business. . A fascinating portrait of another New York, signed by the winner of two awards Pulitzer.

Translated from English by Charles Recoursé. Albin Michel (January)

Birds of passageFernando Aramburu

For a year, a professor of philosophy disappointed by the world records daily and without filter the salient facts of his life – ordeal at the end of which he intends to end his life. A reflection on the chaos of the world, the little joys and deep sorrows that make up life, from the author of the big hit Fatherland.

Translated from the Spanish by Claude Bleton. Actes Sud (January)

The spy who loved booksJohn le Carré

This is the late British writer’s ultimate novel of 2020, published in English just over a year ago and finally translated. The master of the spy novel denounces as never before the weaknesses of British Intelligence, for which he himself worked before devoting himself to writing. An exciting foray behind the closed doors of secret agent life.

Translated from English by Isabelle Perrin. Threshold (January)

MungoDouglas Stuart

The first novel by Scottish Douglas Stuart, Shuggie Bath, had been one of our favorites in 2021. It is therefore without hesitation that we will want to dive into the story of Mungo Hamilton, a 15-year-old boy who grew up in Glasgow, at a time when masculine standards force her to conform to very rigid class and gender norms. An initiatory novel that promises to be unforgettable.

Translated from English by Charles Bonnot. Globe (February)

Loves and other obsessionsLiane Moriarty

The characters of Australian Liane Moriarty are always strikingly realistic, which does not fail to create tasty social and romantic intrigues. Ellen O’Farrell is a hypnotherapist who has a tumultuous love life, until the day she meets Patrick. But when she thinks he is going to leave her, he admits to being harassed by his ex-girlfriend… which is far from disappointing her.

Translated from English by Béatrice Taupeau. Albin Michel (February)

I am not hereLize Spit

The Belgian Lize Spit had made an impression with her first novel, Debacle, and we are very curious to discover this new title. Here she builds a troubled story of devotion and betrayal, in the form of a breathtaking thriller, around a couple whose daily life goes off the rails after a mysterious night that will transform one of them.

Translated from Dutch by Emmanuelle Tardif. Actes Sud (February)

ManifestoBernardine Evaristo

The author of girl, woman, other tells in this intimate story his childhood in the suburbs of London, in the 1960s. Between racism and injustice, the rebellious artist (who won the Booker Prize in 2019 alongside Margaret Atwood) takes us on his travels, his loves, its projects and its commitment. A must-have that appears in concert with its fable blonde roots.

Translated from English by Françoise Adelstain. Globe (March)

The girlBernhard Schlink

The author of Reader here looks at the German fissure, the political and historical divide that has torn families apart and separated the country for decades. Through the story of a man who finds his unknown daughter-in-law, he takes us into the story of a nation torn by ideological differences and struggling to heal the wounds of the past.

Translated from the German by Bernard Lortholary. Gallimard (March)

AssemblyNatasha Brown

This first novel by a young author was praised by the British press when it was released in English. The narrator is a successful black British woman in all walks of life; but when she’s invited to a party in the heart of the English countryside, at her boyfriend’s homestead, she questions everything she’s managed to accomplish. An impressive new pen, according to Bernardine Evaristo.

Translated from English by Jakuta Alikavazovic. Grasset (March)