Because of my interest in Paul Newman and Humphrey Bogart, I went for translating ‘The Lovers’
Narges Mozaffari, a prominent translator, recently spoke about her latest translation project, “The Lovers,” explaining that her long-standing admiration for iconic Hollywood actors Paul Newman and Humphrey Bogart was a significant motivation. Mozaffari, known for her nuanced translations of modern literary works, elaborated on how the emotional depth and complex character portrayals often seen in the films starring these legends resonated with the themes present in “The Lovers.”
In an interview with IBNA, Mozaffari stated, “My interest in the psychological intricacies of human relationships, often explored by Newman and Bogart in their roles, drew me to ‘The Lovers.’ The novel masterfully captures similar universal struggles and passions, and I felt compelled to bring its powerful narrative to Persian readers.” She highlighted the challenges and rewards of translating such a work, focusing on preserving the original author’s voice while making it accessible and impactful for a new audience.
On the process of translation:
- Emphasizing cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions.
- Balancing faithfulness to the original with readability.
- The role of the translator in conveying emotional tone.
Mozaffari believes that literature, like cinema, serves as a mirror to society, reflecting our collective human experience. Her dedication to “The Lovers” stems from a desire to share narratives that provoke thought and empathy, echoing the profound impact left by the cinematic performances she so admires.
