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Is That a Fish in Your Ear?: Translation and the Meaning of Everything

by David Bellos
(published 1 September 2011, available in hardcover and Kindle editions)

It’s not often a newspaper book review makes me rush to the computer to click on ‘buy’ within minutes of reading it, but this one did:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/sep/22/is-that-a-fish-bellos-review

I won’t do a full review as the Guardian reviewer has covered it neatly and more wittily than I can. However, his conclusion was: ‘I could say anyone with an interest in translation should read this, but there wouldn’t be much point; instead, anyone with no interest in translation, please read this brilliant book.’

I appreciate the sentiment, but cannot fully agree. In fact, Is That a Fish in Your Ear? is a thought-provoking, entertaining read that deserves a place on every translator’s bedside table.

It is perfect bedtime reading in many ways. When you’ve had a tough day, it will remind you why you are so special in simply being able to do what you do. When you are wondering why you ended up in the job, it will remind you of some of the joys unique to translating. True, there may be a few points that annoy or frustrate but not many: Bellos is a translator, after all. Erudite, but lightly so, the book is full of fascinating facts and ideas and… it will make you laugh. Click.

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