Introduction to a Unique Partnership

When Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky first collaborated on translating a Russian novel, they felt as if Fyodor Dostoyevsky had joined their endeavor as a third collaborator. Volokhonsky reminisces, “It was a three-way marriage.” They embarked on translating Dostoyevsky’s last monumental work, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’, and their 1990 translation was met with acclaim. The New York Times Book Review noted, “At last the full resonance of Dostoyevsky’s original is conveyed.” This partnership marked a significant turning point in translating Russian literature.

Expanding Their Literary Influence

Over the years, Pevear and Volokhonsky have positioned themselves as the dominant translators of Russian literature, consistently producing one volume a year. Their repertoire includes not only classical authors like Tolstoy and Chekhov but also lesser-known works and contemporary writers such as Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich. Recently, they introduced Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin’s ‘Foolsburg: The History of a Town’. This new edition presents a much-needed revision to the 1980 translation, bringing humor and character clarity to English-speaking audiences.

The Art of Translation

Their translation journey began unexpectedly when Pevear, an American writer, and Volokhonsky, a Russian linguist, met through chance. They cultivated their translation practice by closely collaborating on manuscripts, allowing them to resolve disagreements constructively. Pevear’s thorough review of the translations coupled with Volokhonsky’s linguistic precision ensures that their work stays true to the original text. They remain selective about what genres they translate, having made it clear that poetry can often lose its essence in translation. Their unique approach continues to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for Russian literature in the English-speaking world.