We are thrilled to celebrate the recipient of the prestigious PEN/Ralph Manheim Award for Translation, our very own Suzanne Jill Levine. This award, bestowed every three years, honors a translator whose career exemplifies an unwavering dedication to excellence in their craft. This award was established through the generosity of the late Bernard Malamud and Gay Talese, with additional support from the family and friends of Ralph Manheim, a revered figure in English translation.

 

This year, we proudly recognize Jill Levine for her unparalleled contributions to the world of literary translation. Over her illustrious career spanning more than fifty years, Levine has been a driving force in shaping the landscape of Latin American literature in the English-speaking world. Her translations of seminal Latin American authors such as Clarice Lispector, Jorge Luis Borges, and Julio Cortázar have not only broadened the scope of Hispanic literature in translation but also championed marginalized voices and LGBTQ+ authors.

 

A scholar, prolific translator, bilingual writer and poet, and ‘mother’ to scores of essential translators active in our field today, Levine’s brilliance, famous sense of humor, and scholarly writing have been crucial to the development of the field of Translation Studies and have left a profound mark on the field. In her book, "The Subversive Scribe: Translating Latin American Fiction," Levine introduced innovative concepts like "transcreation" and "closelaboration," challenging conventional notions of translation and illuminating the intricacies of the translator's craft.

 

It is with great enthusiasm that we acknowledge Jill Levine for this outstanding accomplishment in recognition of her exceptional artistry, advocacy, and dedication to fostering creativity and compassion in translation. Her contributions have enriched the international literary community and strengthened the vibrancy of literature in the United States.

 

Congratulations, Jill, on this well-deserved honor!