Anton Chekhov’s short stories are staples of English literature degrees and creative writing courses alike, routinely held up as an example of “show, don’t tell.” Revered as a master of psychological realism, he demonstrates how to be morally serious without sermonising. A bridge between nineteenth-century realism and literary modernism, Chekhov made minimalism a staple of good literature; that of le non-dit…

Greetings readers! Here are Our Top 5 Books of the Month from around the world to kick off the new year, to refresh perspectives and remind us why cultural literacy isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Palestine Minus One: Stories from the Eve of the Nakba Edited by Basma Ghalayini A prequel to the publisher’s acclaimed 2019 collection Palestine +100…

The BookBlast® Translation Book Club meets in person at 6pm on the second Monday of each month at Hatchards, Piccadilly, to discuss engaging, well-written fiction in translation from the past decade, offering thought-provoking reads that illuminate global cultures. Surprise guests include translators, publishers, editors or authors who sometimes join in, offering insights into their work and experiences. Who better to introduce readers to cultures from around the world than leading writers translated into English?

“The novel Far by Rosa Ribas – called Lejos in Spanish – translated by Charlotte Coombe, is a dark, satirical and very Spanish love story with echoes of Claudia Piñeiro and JG Ballard,” Sam Jones, The Guardian A visit to the abandoned “Manhattan of La Mancha” south of Madrid inspired Rosa Ribas to write Far. The place struck her as the perfect setting for a love story.

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