This is an archived issue of Belletrista. If you are looking for the current issue, you can find it here
Belletrista - A site promoting translated women authored literature from around the world
A pile of books Photo of a young woman snorkling Photo of an Afghan woman writing

Discover what new and notable books are on the book store and library shelves.

Carolyn Kelly explores the controversy around the Charlotte Roche's Wetlands.

The Afghan Women's Writing Project: A direct voice in the world.

Welcome to the first issue of Belletrista, a nonprofit, bi-monthly magazine celebrating the wonderfully varied literary work from women writers around the world. Whether you are a seasoned reader of international literature or someone just beginning to travel beyond your literary shores, we think you will find something, from far or near, in this issue, to intrigue you. We expect Belletrista to grow and evolve, and would love your feedback throughout the process. So, as Belletrista takes its first tentative steps, we welcome you and remind you that you were here to celebrate our launch with us, right at the beginning! Join us, fellow book-lovers, and let us explore new worlds together!

Reviews


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THE EARTH HUMS IN B FLAT
by Mari Strachan

This is the kind of book that should be available on prescription! READ MORE

Reviewed by Rachel Hayes
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THE LOCUST AND THE BIRD: MY MOTHER'S STORY
by Hanan Al-Shayk

Hanan Al-Shayk has written perhaps her most intimate, and most cathartic, book to date. READ MORE

Reviewed by Andy Barnes
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WHEN I FORGOT
by Elina Hirvonen
Translated from Finnish by Douglas Robinson

Anna is sitting in a cafe drinking endless cups of coffee and smoking endless cigarettes, putting off the moment she has to visit her brother Joona in a mental health hospital.
READ MORE

Reviewed by Charlotte Simpson
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A MOST IMMORAL WOMAN
By Linda Jaivin

Based on a true story, Jaivin's novel is thoroughly researched and adeptly recreates time and place READ MORE

Reviewed by Amanda Meale
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FLAW
by MagdalenaTulli
Translated from the Polish by Bill Johnston

Magdalena Tulli's brilliant psychological novel unfolds slowly at first. READ MORE

Reviewed by Darryl Morris
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THE HOUSEKEEPER AND THE PROFESSOR
by Yoko Ogawa
Translated from the Japanese by Stephen Snyder

A gentle story about several forms of love, with mathematics as a metaphor for life, but also the lantern illuminating its mysteries.
READ MORE

Reviewed by Tui Menzies
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AND THE WORLD CHANGED: CONTEMPORARY STORIES BY PAKISTANI WOMEN
edited by Muneeza Shamsie

This first collection of creative writing offers people everywhere the opportunity to meet these sharp, thoughtful, forward-looking Pakistani women. READ MORE

Reviewed by Kathleen Ambrogi
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DELIRIUM
by Laura Restrepo
Translated from the Spanish by Natasha Wimmer

Delirium is Restrepo's latest attempt to write a novel encompassing what she sees as the madness of modern Colombia. READ MORE

Reviewed by Andy Barnes
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THE RED CARPET: BANGALORE STORIES
by Lavanya Sankaran

A remarkable debut which lays out the red carpet and warmly welcomes readers to the colorful city of Bangalore. READ MORE

Reviewed by Akeela Gaibie-Dawood
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THE FLYING TROUTMANS
by Miriam Toews

The comedy and an underlying faith transform the novel. READ MORE

Reviewed by Andrew Stancek
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AFTER THE FIRE, A STILL SMALL VOICE
by Evie Wyld

Set in Australia, this is a story of fathers and sons, of war and of history seemingly doomed to repeat itself. READ MORE

Reviewed by F. T. Huffkin
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I'D LIKE
by Amanda Michalopoulou
Translated from the Greek by Karen Emmerich

A good short story collection and I'm in literary heaven - and these are very good. READ MORE

Reviewed by Rachel Hayes
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A GIRL MADE OF DUST
by Nathalie Abi-Ezzi

Abi-Ezzi's semi-autobiographical first novel is a fascinating and beautifully written book
READ MORE

Reviewed by F. P. Crawford
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DOG DAY
by Alicia Giménez-Bartlett
Translated from the Spanish by Nick Caistor

Dog Day is a decent police procedural, gritty but not overly so, and written with wit.
READ MORE

Reviewed by Kate Morgan
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EVIA: TRAVELS ON AN UNDISCOVERED GREEK ISLAND
By Sara Wheeler

Evia does not disappoint, and it caught my attention from the very beginning. READ MORE

Reviewed by Carianne Carleo-Evangelist

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ANCESTOR STONES
by Aminatta Forna

Ancestor Stones is a beautiful, thoughtful piece of work that deserves to be read and savored. READ MORE

Reviewed by Akeela Gaibie-Dawood
Original Fiction by Jaroslava Blažková
Photo of Jaroslava Blazkova
Read the short story "Miracles" by the acclaimed Slovakian writer.
Interview:
Eleanor Catton

Photo of Jaroslava Blazkova
Read Rachael Beale's interview.
Discussions, Interviews and Literary News
Photo of books spread out on the floor
Recent news and highlights from international media sources