German author Jenny Erpenbeck and translator Michael Hofmann were awarded the International Booker Prize for fiction for their novel “Kairos,” which tells the story of a complicated love affair during the final years of East Germany’s existence. The novel triumphed over five other finalists selected from a pool of 149 submitted novels for the prize, which celebrates translated fiction from around the world that has been published in English in the U.K. or Ireland. The prize money of 50,000 pounds is shared between the author and translator. Canadian broadcaster Eleanor Wachtel, who chaired the judging panel, praised Erpenbeck’s novel for its portrayal of the relationship between a student and an older writer as a richly textured evocation of a tormented love affair, intertwined with personal and national transformations. Set in the last years of the German Democratic Republic leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the story begins with optimism and trust before unraveling drastically.
Erpenbeck, who was born and raised in East Berlin during the time of East Germany, drew inspiration from her own experiences for the novel, which Wachtel described as mirroring the trajectory of the country, starting with hope and eventually falling apart. The judge commended translator Michael Hofmann for capturing the eloquence and eccentricities of Erpenbeck’s prose in his translation. The International Booker Prize is given annually to promote fiction in other languages, highlighting a segment of books in Britain that are often overlooked. The prize was established to recognize the crucial role of literary translators in bringing international voices to English-speaking audiences. Last year’s winner was another novel focused on communism and its aftermath in Europe, “Time Shelter” by Bulgarian writer Georgi Gospodinov, translated by Angela Rodel. This marks the first time a male translator has won the International Booker Prize since its inception in its current format in 2016.
The International Booker Prize runs concurrently with the Booker Prize for English-language fiction, which will be awarded in the autumn. The award seeks to elevate the status of translated fiction in the English-speaking world and commend the often unheralded work of literary translators who play a vital role in making global literature accessible to broader audiences. Erpenbeck’s novel explores themes of love, transformation, and the collapse of a nation, providing a poignant reflection on the tumultuous period leading up to the reunification of Germany. The novel’s narrative weaves together personal and political elements, offering a complex and layered portrayal of a relationship set against the backdrop of historical change. The recognition of Erpenbeck and Hofmann with the International Booker Prize underscores the power of storytelling to illuminate shared human experiences across cultures and languages, bridging divides and broadening perspectives through literature.
The win for Erpenbeck and Hofmann marks a significant achievement in the realm of translated fiction and acknowledges the skillful artistry of both the author and the translator in crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a global scale. The jury’s praise for the novel’s thematic depth and intricate storytelling underscores the impact of literature in fostering empathy and understanding across cultural boundaries. Erpenbeck’s exploration of personal relationships against the backdrop of historical events serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to shed light on complex human experiences. The novel’s success highlights the importance of celebrating diverse voices and narratives from around the world, recognizing the value of cross-cultural exchange and translation in enriching the literary landscape. The International Booker Prize continues to shine a spotlight on the transformative power of fiction in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among audiences worldwide, emphasizing the profound connections that can be forged through the shared experience of storytelling.
Erpenbeck’s win with “Kairos” attests to the enduring relevance of literature in offering insights into the human condition and grappling with complex social and political realities. The novel’s exploration of personal relationships and national transformations during a pivotal moment in history resonates with contemporary audiences, inviting reflection on themes of love, loss, and the enduring legacy of the past. Through Erpenbeck’s evocative prose and Hofmann’s skillful translation, readers are transported into a world marked by upheaval and change, where the personal and political intersect in profound ways. The International Booker Prize serves as a platform for celebrating the richness and diversity of global literature, honoring the collaborative efforts of authors and translators in bringing stories from diverse cultural backgrounds to life in English translation. By awarding Erpenbeck and Hofmann with this prestigious prize, the literary world recognizes the importance of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through the art of storytelling, reaffirming the universal power of literature to transcend borders and connect readers across languages and traditions.
