A deep appreciation for the art of translation

Paul Filev recently launched his second translation in a series of books by Macedonian writers. His latest, 'Alma Mahler', is a novella by Sasho Dimoski, author of three novels in Macedonian as well as a collection of dramatic texts. The book presents the imagined memories of a talented, passionate woman living in the shadow of a famous husband, the Austrian late-Romantic composer and conductor, Gustav Mahler. Paul Filev succeeds in keeping within close proximity of the original portrayal of the emotional and intellectual sacrifices Alma makes in giving her support to her husband. There is tension throughout as Alma wrestles between her desire to be near genius and her ever-present awareness that in return for her sacrifice she will only ever receive the great man's silence and the pains of solitude. Paul Filev's translation of Alma Mahler is published by Dalkey Archive Press.

Translator Paul Filev at the launch of his translation of Sasho Dimoski's novella 'Alma Mahler' Source: SBS

Paul Filev, translator, at the launch of his second publication by a Macedonian writer, 'Alma Mahler' by Sasho Dimoski, at the

Brunswick Bound Bookstore on the 5th of May, 2018.

Translator Paul Filev and actor/director Dona Dimovska Kantarovska Source: SBS

Faye Thomev, Paul Filev and Vicky Pateras Source: SBS

Paul Filev's launch of the translation of Alma Mahler, by Sasho Dimovski in Melbourne. Source: SBS

Members of the Macedonian Women's Choir with Paul Filev. Source: SBS

A warm hug of support for Paul Filev's latest translation of a Macedonian novel. Source: SBS