Blips in translation

First of all, these 2 books are absolutely gripping thrillers. My only gripe is why oh why can’t the publisher get some Tom, Dick or Harry who actually speaks English properly and can read carefully to give the books the once over prior to publication?

While I can admit to a certain oversensitivity to flaws in translation (I proof texts written by non-native speakers of English), I’m sure a thousand euros would put these mistakes right.

Swedish speakers out there: Did Mr Larsson write in sometimes slightly awkward hesitant Swedish? Hmm – thought not. And by the way, I’m sure he knew that St. Albans is not a suburb of London.


David Stephenson
Submitted: 9 Mars 2010