The longlist for the National Book Award for Translated Literature has now been announced. Ten novels from eight languages are on the list, including two by Swedish authors. The Helios Disaster by Linda Boström Knausgård, translated by Rachel Willson-Broyles is a study of loss that brings the myth of Athena to Sweden. Twelve-year-old Anna’s father is committed to a psychiatric hospital, and when the assimilation efforts with the foster family do not work out, she is institutionalized as well. The Family Clause by Jonas Hassen Khemiri, translated by Alice Menzies, provides insight into one family across a span of ten days, during which relationships change and memories are brought to the surface.
The category of Translated Literature was added to the National Book Awards in 2018. The finalists in each of the five categories will be announced on October 6.