Mysteries Foreign and Domestic

January 31, 2026

TL;DR

Recent novels about translation, such as *The Centre* and *The Extinction of Irena Rey*, explore dark themes and raise questions about the meaning of translation.
Sarah Bruni's novel *Mass Mothering* connects the work of translation with motherhood, a theme not previously explored in this context.
The novel follows a translator, A., who is unable to have children and becomes deeply involved with a book about mothers mourning their mysteriously disappeared sons.
The narrative questions whether the experience of motherhood can be translated and whether translation itself is a life-giving or ultimately futile act.
The article reflects on the author's personal experiences with translation and the unique qualities required beyond linguistic fluency, suggesting translation involves navigating culture and civilization.
The review concludes by suggesting that while being a translator may not require being a mother, it does require being a poet.

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