Elena Ferrante’s identity, literacy programs at SXSW, and more

News, Reviews, and Interviews

This week, the world mourned the passing of Palestinian poet Samih al-Qasim.

In her first New York City appearance in over 10 years, Herta Müller discusses her life and her writing with author and translator Claire Messud.

Translated fiction is booming in British markets, fueled by popular Scandinavian and Arabic authors, according to this recent Guardian article.

She (or he?) has never been photographed or interviewed in person before. So, who really is Elena Ferrante?

Coming in the next few weeks, the Poetry Foundation and the Lambda Literary Foundation will launch a brand new literary e-magazine dedicated to queer poets of color, called Nepantla.

Did you know Zachary Karabashliev, author of 19% Gray (our Editor’s Pick for March 2013), was once a professional photographer? He reveals this fact and more about his personal and professional life in a recent Typographical Era interview.

What makes one classic more likeable, readable, or last longer than other classic books? Joseph Luzzi breaks down the “great unread” for the Paris Review.

For Your Calendar

You can help bring more library and literacy discussions to South by Southwest (SXSW) this year by voting for these interactive panel ideas.

Help mark the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War by helping the University of Oklahoma libraries transcribe Civil War-era documents for future researchers around the world.

If you’re a translator planning to attend this year’s ALTA Conference in November (or even if you’re just now hearing about it), there are a few panels seeking participants that you can still apply for.

Indie publisher Biblioasis is turning 10 this year, and you can celebrate alongside its team! Check this schedule for planned events throughout Canada.

Fun Finds and Inspiration

What would it be like to attend James Joyce’s birthday party? In this New Republic article from 1931, Padraic Colum recalls attending the author’s party and discussing his favorite novels.

Some of the world’s most famous pieces of art actually conceal very different stories underneath their famous exteriors.

Writers remember the books that inspired them as children and share their favorite illustrations of classic books as part of a Folio Society project celebrating beautiful books.