After I was crushed by my boss + his boss + his boss
last monday, I deserve to be the next one to be praised.

Which novel is it?
I always wondered if the author feels like it's still his work if it's translated.
And if the translator thinks that it isn't his work.
I especially think this s*** when I read translated poetry.

And vera: Three cheers to you and your life. You're a great person for reading Arnon!

on the translated novel

(Is it tirza? I believe to be reading "Jurgen", but lateron "Because his grandmother..." So i'm not sure.)

Messiah

Dens, its The Jewish Messiah.

Dens, thank you so much. I feel a lot better now.

I learned long ago that in written English sentences never start with 'and' unlike in German, French, Russian or Dutch. Is this correct?

@Andrea & others

I've been thought, in Dutch, never to start a sentence with En. Nor with Want, Maar, Omdat, etc..
But writing is knowing the rules and then ignoring them? I wouldn't know.

I adore the Jewish Messias. I read it in Antwerp, sitting between the Chassidim. I loved it. From the start. If I ever find this book in hard cover, first print, it will be mine. Too bad I can't.

@Vera: you're welcome,most of the time.

Why not wanting to own any Grunberg novel in first edition hard cover? It would not be too inappropriate on this forum ;-).

The Jewish Messiah I still have to read, however (in any language).

First editions

Dens, contact my assistant (johannes@...) for first editions. The first edition of the messiah is not hard to find, and not very expensive for that matter, I'm sure Johannes is willing to help you.

Dens, firsts of TJM are easily found on antiqbook.nl and boekwinkeltjes.nl All others firsts of Mr. Grunberg are harder to find in hardcover and a lot more expensive! For a couple of years I have been spending large parts of my income on first editions of Mr Grunbergs books, and the collection is still incomplete. Some books are simply impossible to find and some others are unaffordable. But they are worth it!

Sometimes I'm asked to translate texts, mostly from French into Dutch and only theoretical texts on history and art. To translate novels - let alone poetry - is much more difficult. You need to grasp the spirit and intentions of the author, to enter his way of thinking and expressing his thoughts. That's why the authors co-operation - if possible - is very important and his interest a reward for hours and hours of tough, time-consuming and lonesome work.
Great authors like you, Mr. Grunberg, understand and appreciate this.
Translating is - to a large extent - a work of charity.
This is the first time I participate in your 'conversations'. I will try to be more concise in the future.

In Belgium, I don't seem to be able to find this first edition. Maybe there's a difference in prints in Belgium and Holland. I bought Tirza in November 2006, It was the 5th edition (hard cover), the first edition never reached Belgium I think. Probably EO Tirza is being solded at 5 times the price. Grunberg around the world is the only 1st edition I've got. But it isn't hardcover.

But I 'll mail Johannes, or look in a bookstore here and there.

I once translated a theoretical work. From English To Dutch. I did it in 1 night. 90 pages, it wasn't that hard. Nobody complained. But then again, no one read it, I think. It handled PTSD (PTSS in Dutch).

What is this thing called modesty?