Stieg Larsson's first novel picked up 4 awards at Bouchercon in Indianapolis last week. First a Macavity Award for Best First Mystery; then a Barry Award for Best British Crime Novel of 2008 (shown in the pic above – and it didn't have to be British, just published there first). At the Anthony Awards presentation on Saturday it took one for Best Cover Design, then one for Best First Novel. Too bad I couldn't bring any of them back home with me, but at least I got a chance to say a few words to the crowd about Stieg's pro-feminist message in the Millennium trilogy and mention the website devoted to his partner Eva Gabrielsson.Both fans and crime writers were extremely kind and enthusiastic about Stieg's work, and I received many compliments on a job well done. It was fun to meet so many people who love the books, even though the 3rd one isn't out in the States yet. But booksellers were filling that need with the imported UK edition, and I was persuaded to sign a whole bunch of copies, so if you want one they are available from some vendors specializing in signed first editions of crime fiction on the Web. (UK first editions of TGWTDT were going for $1000 and up, unsigned.)
Both Tiina and I are looking forward to Left Coast Crime in L.A. in March, and next year's Bouchercon in San Francisco. It will be gratifying to return home to the Bay Area with some translation successes to show for all my years away.
Was there not a prize for best translation? If so you deserved to be picking that up as well. Half way through Millennium III now. Captivated.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and thanks for bringing Stieg Larsson to English readers.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for these very well deserved awards. This trilogy is fantastic and Stieg was lucky in his translator! Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Uriah. It seems some of the translations into other languages are based on the UK edition as well. Some countries are lazier than others. If anyone wants me to check, send me the first 2 paragraphs of chapter 23 (one of many spots where the published version differs from my original) and I'll let you know, if it's something I can read. No non-Latin characters please (except Greek and Cyrillic).
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alan and Maxine. Maybe it's time they started giving some translation awards in the USA, with all the foreign crime being published in English. I need stuff to put on my wall... or on the mantle if I had a fireplace. Stay tuned, Tiina and I have decided to learn another language.
ReplyDeleteReg, You are a phenomenum. How do you find time to do all the work you do? I am on the third of the Millenium Trilogy. It is unputdownable! Which of your translations do you recommend I read next?
ReplyDeleteRegards, Gordon Bishop
Reg,
ReplyDeleteYou are a phenomenom. How do you find the time to do all the work you do. I am on the third of the Millenium which is unputdownable. What do you recommend I read next.
Regards, Gordon G. Bishop
I shall be there in San Francisco to greet you, God and an affordable hotel willing. It was a pleasure working with you and Tiina in Indianapolis, if one can call something that much fun work.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/</a
Hi Gordon, just click on the Hot Links in the right-hand column and take your pick. A few are out of print. If you want any of the Fjord books, we still have some copies of most.
ReplyDeleteI did all 3 of the Millennium books in 2006, so I can hardly remember all the hours I sat at the computer. But it was fun!
Hi Peter, the panel was great fun all right. Let's do it again with a bigger room.
ReplyDeleteAffordable hotel in the City? I don't think so! Stay in El Cerrito and take the BART.
At first I was intimidated by the prospect of getting on stage in a room the size of the ones from Bouchercon 2008 in Baltimore. When I scouted out the Indianapolis room the day before the panel, I thought, "What are they putting me in this corner room for?" In fact, it turned out to be the perfect size for my first panel appearance.
ReplyDeleteNext year I'll be ready for Candlestick Park if they want to put me there.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
Candlestick could be awfully windy and cold in October -- or hot. Maybe we should stick to indoor fun.
ReplyDeleteI just love the books - and your translation! Reviewed all three of them...
ReplyDeleteThanks, 51stories, will check out your reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful translation. A job very well done. I am immensely sad that the Millenium trilogy has come to an end , but I did hear that Stieg had already started working on the fourth one. Are there any chances that his work would be taken over by someone else ?
ReplyDeleteThe Oz Mystery Readers group on Yahoo is discussing The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest, in case you want to sneak in and surprise them.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
I am so glad to hear that the first book is winning awards. This trilogy deserves awards - it is fantastic! I hope your translation wins awards as well!
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