Best Literary Translations 2025

This anthology offers a vital and expansive look at global literature, gathering poetry and prose translated from nineteen different languages into a single, cohesive volume. Guest edited by Pulitzer Prize winner Cristina Rivera Garza, this collection deliberately redefines the literary canon by placing contemporary works alongside historical pieces, all brought to life by a roster of exceptionally skilled translators. It is a testament to the art of translation itself, framing it as a creative and courageous act rather than a mere technical process.

What makes this volume so compelling is its curated diversity; it is not a random sampling but a thoughtfully assembled dialogue between eras and cultures. Readers with a passion for discovering new voices, students of literature, and anyone curious about the world beyond their own linguistic borders will find this an indispensable and enriching resource. It successfully argues for a more inclusive and dynamic understanding of what constitutes great writing in the 21st century.