US publisher releases English translation of Carolina Pihelgas novel

US-based publisher World Editions has released an English translation of Estonian writer Carolina Pihelgas’s novel Lõikejoon, titled The Cut Line. Pihelgas presented the book in the United States and Canada in the second half of October, ERR reported. Darcy Hurford translated the novel.

Pihelgas said her appearances at North American literary festivals had been inspiring and had shown her that interest in Estonian literature was strong. She said readers had responded to the novel as both a universal story about human relationships and a glimpse into a somewhat different world.

In San Francisco, she took part in Litquake, described as the West Coast’s largest independent literary festival. In Canada, she appeared at the Vancouver Writers Fest, which held its 39th edition this year, with more than 150 local and international authors taking part in over 90 events.

In Washington, Pihelgas met readers at the Estonian Embassy, where representatives of the US Library of Congress were also present. In New York, she represented Estonia at European Literature Night at the Ukrainian Institute, which featured authors from 16 European countries. She also joined a panel discussion organised in cooperation with PEN America and gave a half-hour reading, presenting excerpts in both English and Estonian.

Estonian cultural attaché in the United States Madli-Liis Parts said the aim was for visits by Estonian writers to include several opportunities to present their work and meet readers and literary professionals. She added that, according to sellers, The Cut Line was among the best-selling books at New York’s European Literature Night.