National Book Award for Translated Literature (2018-present)

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  • The Emissary by Yoko Tawada

    "The Emissary" is set in a dystopian future Japan, where the nation has isolated itself from the rest of the world following a series of environmental disasters. The story focuses on the relationship between Mumei, a frail but wise child, and his great-grandfather Yoshiro, who cares for him in a society where the roles of the young and old have reversed. The elderly are burdened with health and vitality, while the young suffer from weakness and disease. Through their daily struggles and interactions, the novel explores themes of resilience, the bonds of family, and the enduring human spirit in the face of societal and ecological breakdown.

    The 4887th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming by László Krasznahorkai

    The novel follows the return of an eccentric and destitute baron to his small Hungarian hometown after years of self-imposed exile in Argentina. As the baron seeks to reconnect with a long-lost love, his arrival stirs up the town's residents, each grappling with their own existential dilemmas and societal decay. The narrative weaves together a tapestry of absurdity, chaos, and dark humor, exploring themes of longing, identity, and the relentless passage of time, all set against the backdrop of a community on the brink of collapse.

    The 6554th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Tokyo Ueno Station by Miri, Yu

    Set against the backdrop of Tokyo's bustling Ueno Park, this poignant narrative delves into the life of Kazu, a homeless man whose existence is marked by loss and regret. As he reflects on his past, Kazu's memories intertwine with the park's history and the lives of those who pass through it. Through his eyes, the story explores themes of displacement, the passage of time, and the invisible threads that connect people, offering a haunting meditation on the human condition and the societal forces that shape our destinies.

    The 14901st Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Winter In Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin

    Set against the backdrop of a desolate, snow-covered South Korean border town, this evocative novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural dissonance. The story follows a young, introspective French-Korean woman working at a guesthouse, who becomes entangled with a mysterious French graphic novelist seeking inspiration for his work. As their lives intersect, the narrative delves into the complexities of human connection, the haunting beauty of the winter landscape, and the silent struggles of reconciling one's past with the present. Through sparse, poetic prose, the novel captures the quiet intensity of longing and the search for self amidst the cold isolation of Sokcho.

    The 17007th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Siete Casas Vacías by Samanta Schweblin

    In this collection of short stories, the author delves into the eerie and unsettling aspects of everyday life, exploring themes of isolation, disconnection, and the haunting presence of the past. Each story is set against the backdrop of seemingly ordinary suburban neighborhoods, where the boundaries between reality and the surreal blur, revealing the hidden fears and desires that lurk beneath the surface. Through sparse and evocative prose, the narratives capture the unsettling tension that arises when the familiar becomes strange, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and introspection.

    The 14901st Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Words That Remain by Stênio Gardel

    The novel tells the poignant story of Raimundo, an elderly Brazilian man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation with his past. As he learns to read and write, Raimundo uncovers letters from his long-lost love, Cícero, which reignite memories of their forbidden romance in a society marked by prejudice and repression. Through these letters, Raimundo confronts his regrets and the societal constraints that once kept him from embracing his true self. The narrative beautifully explores themes of love, identity, and the transformative power of literacy, offering a heartfelt reflection on the enduring impact of words and the courage to embrace one's authentic life.

    The 17007th Greatest Book of All Time
  • Taiwan Travelogue by Shuang-zi Yang

    A Journey Through the Heart of Formosa

    The book offers an immersive journey through Taiwan, capturing the island's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, the author explores bustling cities, serene countryside, and hidden gems, providing insights into local traditions and culinary delights. The narrative delves into the warmth and hospitality of the Taiwanese people, highlighting the unique blend of modernity and tradition that defines the region. This travelogue serves as both a guide and a heartfelt tribute to Taiwan's diverse and captivating allure.

    The 17007th Greatest Book of All Time
  • We Are Green And Trembling by Gabriela Cabezón Cámara

    A reimagining of the life of Antonio de Erauso, a Basque nun who becomes a soldier during the 17th‑century Spanish conquest. Following Antonio as he reinvents himself across the Americas and hides in the jungle with two young Guaraní girls after escaping imprisonment, the novel explores conquest, colonialism, religious authority, and the treatment of women and indigenous peoples through a queer, magical‑realist lens.

    The 17007th Greatest Book of All Time
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About this list

National Book Award, 8 Books

The National Book Award for Translated Literature honours outstanding translations of literary works published in the US and translated from any language into English. It first ran from from 1967 to 1983, and was reintroduced in its current form in 2018. The prize is open to living authors and translators and includes both fiction and nonfiction works.

Who voted: The award is judged by five litterateurs, whose names can be seen on the National Book Awards' website.

This list is a yearly book award, and was added to this site 11 months ago.

How Good is this List?

This list has a weight of 1%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.

Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:

  • Voters: Voter Count
  • List: only covers 1 year (yearly book awards, best of the year, etc)
  • List: only covers translated or foreign books than where voters are from

If you think this is incorrect please contact us.

List Information

Number of Voters:
5
Voter Count Unknown:
No
Voter Names Unknown:
No
High Quality Source:
No
Location Specific:
No
Category Specific:
No