I enjoy challenging myself sometimes to try and read or follow other media in other languages besides English, and although I could skim over bestselling or top/best of lists in other languages, if those are anything like their English contemporaries, I imagine odds are they don’t catch some of the lesser known yet still enjoyable works.
So, what are some works in your native language that haven’t been translated to English that you’d recommend? Also if it’s not clear by the title, could you mention the language it’s in?
I’m an English speaker, but I loved the Metro series of books (which are in Russian). Had a helluva time finding translations, though. The books are way more interesting than the games with a much more crazy twist in the first one. I thought they would just help with context, but the games deviate a lot from the books.
Other Russian books I’ve read include Roadside Picnic and The Wishgranter (because of STALKER). As well as stuff from Tolstoyevski when I was in high school.
I can second Metro 2033. YouTube has got some audiobooks book versions of it in English, but there’s a whole bunch of noncannon fan books that are only in Russian.
I thought the books and games complimented each other nicely. Both were clearly made in a manner to suit their medium best. And having read/played one shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the other.
Chinese is not my speaking language but Wuxia novels (ancients Chinese kung-fu novels) by Jin Yong are classics in Asia. They got translated to many languages including English iirc.
I recommend El Chavo del Ocho (imdb link), it’s a Mexican show that is very popular here in Brazil
A great series is the german “Tatortreiniger” which translates to something like “crime scene cleaner”. I’d describe it as a small scale theatre like series, each episode playing inside a house or a few rooms, with a few characters. The main character usually has to clean up a crime scene and is confronted with the other residents of the building. It has a special kind of humor, mostly transported by really strange everyday situations.
I don’t know if it has been translated but I would recommend “Die Känguru Chroniken”.
It’s a humourous book about a communist kangaroo moving in with a comedian. Many great jokes have established themselves in left leaning german meme culture as a result.
The book mostly has standalone chapters, but the sequels have more of a narrative throuline.
I see a book about a kangaroo, I feel obligated to like, thanks!
I am American, but my favorite author is Argentinian: Samanta Schweblin. Four out of five of her works have been translated to English but you can easily find the original Spanish texts. Distancia de rescate (Fever Dream), Kentukis (Little Eyes), Siete casas vacías (Seven Empty Houses), and Pájaros en la boca y otros cuentos (Mouthful of Birds) are the ones I’ve read (in English) and can strongly recommend. Her books are often disturbing in some way, with stream of consciousness/hallucinatory narration. She dives into little moments in people’s lives and explores their humanity.
Thanks, girl
The five agreements from Mexican Author. It is a really nice book.
from Mexican Author
bruh
The author is Don Miguel Ruiz
I couldn’t remember his name at that moment , I just remember he was from Mexico.
I didn’t know it either, I googled it
Oof
If I’m being honest, there isn’t a single thing I’ve read in my pre-English language. I learned English and then learned how to read and it just stuck. I don’t even know if any notable works exist in the language.
Perhaps it is time for you to explore your native literature then?
