Velvet Blues: Czech and Slovak Romany story collection set for Frankfurt Book Fair
Velvet Blues, a collection of 20th century stories by Czech and Slovak Romany writers, is set to be presented at October’s Frankfurt Book Fair, where this year Czechia will be guest of honour. I discussed the anthology with Karolína Ryvolová of Kher, a publishing house focused on Romany literature, which is putting it out in conjunction with Karolinum Press.
“We knew that we were aiming for an international audience – partly a Romani émigré audience and partly just an international audience.
“We knew that we needed to select material that would be relevant, and universally recognisable.”
Are there any themes that recur in the stories? What are the kind of issues that are explored?
“Because these are representatives of a minority literature, naturally a lot of the topics are related to discrimination and racism, or structural racism – persecution in all its different forms over the course of the 20th century.
“So let’s say these grievances are one important area among topics which are recurring.
“Another one is this incredibly strong bond to the community. Romany families are presented as something quintessential for the lives of these writers.
“So is their ‘Romany-ness’. The everyday practice of being Roma is also very strong in the stories, and most of the writers somehow communicate the idea of themselves as Roma.”
I presume there are at least some Romany words in the texts. Were there any particular challenges for the translator, Alex Zucker?
“I personally think that this particular translation job was unusual for Alex, who is a very experienced translator in terms of Czech ficition.
“But Romany fiction is a whole different kettle of fish – it’s very different in terms of style.
“Their typical prose style leaves a lot of space for speculation, and sometimes it was difficult for him to navigate these gaps, these unsaid things.
“So that was one area, deeply influenced of course by Romany as an ethnic language.
“Another area was, yes, linked to Romany expressions – which were glossed in the text – and generally to culturally specific notions.
“We had a lot of trouble and fun trying to find good translations for food, in particular.”
What are the plans for this volume? I know it’s coming out at the beginning of next month, and then you’re taking it to the Frankfurt Book Fair?
“Yes, we are. And let’s say we think of it as an international launch, in Frankfurt.
“But we are also negotiating a reading from the volume in England in spring 2027, in collaboration with the local Romany community, which is very well organised.
“What concrete shape it’ll take we don’t know yet: it might be Manchester and Sheffield, or Manchester and Peterborough, or maybe some other combo.
“This, you might say, is one of the goals of the volume – to actually speak to the Romany émigré community in English-speaking countries, who are very interested in what goes on in their original communities.
“They are quickly losing their Czech and Slovak, which is being replaced by English, and yet they feel a very strong bond to their Romany selves.
“So that’s very important – for the book to be presented in these communities.”
