The Interpreter
Registered by cat207 on 5/17/2006
12 journalers for this copy...
'It all started with her voice. Not her words, because they were not hers... so it began not with what she said or how she said it, but with some quite intangible quality in her voice.
The interpreter is Dominique, a genuis with language, who despite her professional brilliance has not yet found her own voice: a childhood spent in anguish, caught in her parents' verbal crossfire, has served to perfect her skills as mediator. Working at a top medical conference in Manhattan, she overhears a whispered conversation about the suppression of an AIDS breakthrough. The interpreter's mantra rings in her ears: 'Confidentiality. Your vow is as solemn as the Hippocratic Oath. As sacred as a nun's marriage to Jesus.' But Dominique's best friend Mischa is HIV positive.
When she meets Nicholas Manzini, an Italian doctor, through the glass of the interpreter's booth and begins a passionate love affair, Dominique slowly begins to discover her own voice. But her dilemma remains - and will ultimately test both her strength of character and the depth of her love for Nicholas.
An exploration of moral integrity, emotional isolation and profound passion, 'The Interpreter' combines a uniquely memorable voice, an almost musical gift for narrative and a powerful love story in an atmosphere of international intrigue.'
The interpreter is Dominique, a genuis with language, who despite her professional brilliance has not yet found her own voice: a childhood spent in anguish, caught in her parents' verbal crossfire, has served to perfect her skills as mediator. Working at a top medical conference in Manhattan, she overhears a whispered conversation about the suppression of an AIDS breakthrough. The interpreter's mantra rings in her ears: 'Confidentiality. Your vow is as solemn as the Hippocratic Oath. As sacred as a nun's marriage to Jesus.' But Dominique's best friend Mischa is HIV positive.
When she meets Nicholas Manzini, an Italian doctor, through the glass of the interpreter's booth and begins a passionate love affair, Dominique slowly begins to discover her own voice. But her dilemma remains - and will ultimately test both her strength of character and the depth of her love for Nicholas.
An exploration of moral integrity, emotional isolation and profound passion, 'The Interpreter' combines a uniquely memorable voice, an almost musical gift for narrative and a powerful love story in an atmosphere of international intrigue.'
'A unique voice. A compelling story. An astonishing debut.' Definitely. A one-sitting read. Part medical drama, part romance, with a bit of French, German and Italian, but so much more.
I'm sending this out as my first BookRing.
The participants (in mailing order):-
Vikki - Japan (Int)
dododumpling - UK (UK/Eur)
QueenSissi - Portugal (Eur)
stellamaris23 - Spain
penelopewanders - Switzerland
bluecat07 - Germany (Int)
Fifna - Netherlands (Int)
bookwormmom2 - Canada (Int)
aunt-sophie - Canada (Int)
Kasoswife - Canada (Int)
Rrrcaron - USA (Int)
JerrilynnL - USA (Int)
Tashe - USA
KatieLindsay - USA
accountkel - USA (Int)
chich- France
jacksmum2004 - UK
Captainsdoxy - NZ
lakelady2282 - Aus
No special rules or conditions - just manners!
The participants (in mailing order):-
Vikki - Japan (Int)
dododumpling - UK (UK/Eur)
QueenSissi - Portugal (Eur)
stellamaris23 - Spain
penelopewanders - Switzerland
bluecat07 - Germany (Int)
Fifna - Netherlands (Int)
bookwormmom2 - Canada (Int)
aunt-sophie - Canada (Int)
Kasoswife - Canada (Int)
Rrrcaron - USA (Int)
JerrilynnL - USA (Int)
Tashe - USA
KatieLindsay - USA
accountkel - USA (Int)
chich- France
jacksmum2004 - UK
Captainsdoxy - NZ
lakelady2282 - Aus
No special rules or conditions - just manners!
Heading off to Vikki in Japan, via airmail.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
I loved this book! Received it yesterday and couldn't stop reading, so ended up reading it in one day.
Will send a message to dododumpling to get her address.
April 1 - On its way to dododumpling today.
Will send a message to dododumpling to get her address.
April 1 - On its way to dododumpling today.
Journal Entry 6 by dododumpling from St. Neots, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Thursday, April 5, 2007
Wow - I've never received a parcel from Japan before! And it was wrapped up using such cute tape too! :) Thanks to cat207 and Vikki; I'm looking forward to reading this.
Journal Entry 7 by dododumpling from St. Neots, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 10, 2007
I also really enjoyed this book (although I read it over two days, rather than Vikki's one day!) I thought the mystery story, the love story and the setting all worked well.
There's a biography of the author here and a somewhat scathing review of the novel (written by an interpreter) here.
I haven't seen the film and thought I might like to ... until I just looked at the home page of the weblink. Surprise, surprise, it looks like the film bears no resemblance to the book. Perhaps I won't bother, after all. I enjoyed the book too much to be irritated by the film!
Update: Posted to QueenSissi on 11 April (airmail).
There's a biography of the author here and a somewhat scathing review of the novel (written by an interpreter) here.
I haven't seen the film and thought I might like to ... until I just looked at the home page of the weblink. Surprise, surprise, it looks like the film bears no resemblance to the book. Perhaps I won't bother, after all. I enjoyed the book too much to be irritated by the film!
Update: Posted to QueenSissi on 11 April (airmail).
It arrived on Friday. Thanks!
It was a good read! I couldn't stop reading it (once I've started, which unfortunately took a long time). I still haven't seen the movie but will try to soon. Thanks!
sending it to stellamaris23 ASAP.
sending it to stellamaris23 ASAP.
Journal Entry 10 by stellamaris23 from Oviedo/Uviéu, Asturies/Asturias Spain on Monday, July 23, 2007
I have received the book and I'm going to read it as soon as possible.
Journal Entry 11 by penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, November 16, 2007
This book arrived safely in the very snowy alps today, thanks so much for sending! Lovely bookmark too, thank you. I'm particularly keen to read this (which will nonetheless have to line up behind another ring or two), as this is my own profession (although for family reasons I haven't been practicing it regularly for a few years now...)
Journal Entry 12 by penelopewanders from Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Sunday, November 25, 2007
Oh my. Well, I was very grateful to dododumpling for adding the link to a colleague's critique of the book, as Colgan managed to pin down a lot of my irritation with the book. I'm sure it's a wonderful read if it doesn't hit you in the guts, as any book describing one's passion is bound to do. And interpreting is in fact one of my passions. I almost couldn't finish reading the book, as I was so pained by Dominique's obvious suffering as an interpreter. The only thing that made it bearable, was that although she makes no explicit mention of it, she obviously has finally given up this profession which clearly is not for her. As has the author. I couldn't help wondering if Glass had ever actually exercised the profession, or whether she just trained. I see it says in the biography that she actually worked as an interpreter for five years.
Ironically, years ago -in the 1980's - I discussed a similar plot with a film-maker for whom I did written translations at the time, but never took the step of writing the novel as Glass did. Maybe part of my feeling is sour grapes? I'm very glad to have read this, and may even decide to see the film someday. I do think Glass has come closer to describing the work we do than many others have, but what I found so difficult to bear was how unpleasant she found it! I kept wondering if there really are many such unhappy colleagues out there. Fortunately this has not been my experience with the dozens and dozens of fascinating, warm and witty colleagues I've had the joy of knowing.
So I guess there was no way I could just read this like any other novel -sorry, but again, thanks for making it available. If nothing else, it's another step towards putting our little understood profession in the general public's awareness.
I've PMed for the next address.
Ironically, years ago -in the 1980's - I discussed a similar plot with a film-maker for whom I did written translations at the time, but never took the step of writing the novel as Glass did. Maybe part of my feeling is sour grapes? I'm very glad to have read this, and may even decide to see the film someday. I do think Glass has come closer to describing the work we do than many others have, but what I found so difficult to bear was how unpleasant she found it! I kept wondering if there really are many such unhappy colleagues out there. Fortunately this has not been my experience with the dozens and dozens of fascinating, warm and witty colleagues I've had the joy of knowing.
So I guess there was no way I could just read this like any other novel -sorry, but again, thanks for making it available. If nothing else, it's another step towards putting our little understood profession in the general public's awareness.
I've PMed for the next address.
Journal Entry 13 by penelopewanders at BookRing in ☑ 'Controlled Release' > Country > Province > City, .---controlled release---. Switzerland on Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Released 16 yrs ago (11/27/2007 UTC) at BookRing in ☑ 'Controlled Release' > Country > Province > City, .---controlled release---. Switzerland
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Bluecat07 is in the process of moving, so she asked to be skipped. This is now on its way to the Netherlands -enjoy!
Bluecat07 is in the process of moving, so she asked to be skipped. This is now on its way to the Netherlands -enjoy!
The book has arrived safely, thanks penelopewanders!
Beware of spoilers in this entry!
Although I quite enjoyed reading this book, it wasn't the page turner for me that it was for some of the previous readers. It actually seemed to take a long while to get to the point of the story and even then, the author didn't seem to do that much with what was bascially an interesting story. There appeared to be no consequences for Dominique at all after her revelations on the radio, even though she was breaking her vow of confidentiality. Although we do find out that she stops interpreting, but is that out of choice, or as a result of her breaking her vow? In the end, she and Nicholas both seem to be let off fairly lightly, and all this is explained and implied in just a few chapters.
Although I would have liked the story to have been worked out better, I'm glad I read it, thanks for sharing cat207! I have PMed bookwormmom2 for her address, but it will be after Christmas before I get to the post office.
Although I quite enjoyed reading this book, it wasn't the page turner for me that it was for some of the previous readers. It actually seemed to take a long while to get to the point of the story and even then, the author didn't seem to do that much with what was bascially an interesting story. There appeared to be no consequences for Dominique at all after her revelations on the radio, even though she was breaking her vow of confidentiality. Although we do find out that she stops interpreting, but is that out of choice, or as a result of her breaking her vow? In the end, she and Nicholas both seem to be let off fairly lightly, and all this is explained and implied in just a few chapters.
Although I would have liked the story to have been worked out better, I'm glad I read it, thanks for sharing cat207! I have PMed bookwormmom2 for her address, but it will be after Christmas before I get to the post office.
Sent to bookwormmom2 today.
The Interpreter has had a long journey but has arrived safely despite the frigid temperatures we've been experiencing the past few days. Today it is -47 degrees C with the wind chill factor. The type of weather where one wants to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea.
I just started reading The Pillars of the Earth (almost a thousand pages) as a book club read so it will be a few weeks before I can start this one. Once I get to it I suspect it will be a quick read. It appears to be a compelling book.
I just started reading The Pillars of the Earth (almost a thousand pages) as a book club read so it will be a few weeks before I can start this one. Once I get to it I suspect it will be a quick read. It appears to be a compelling book.
Could we please have an update on the book. There are still many readers waiting for it. Thank you. Cat. X
My apologies to the organizer of this ring and to all anxiously waiting to read this book. I forgot that it was still in my hands and just came across it a few days ago. I'll journal further and mail it this weekend. Once again, my apologies.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful book cat207.
I read "The Interpreter" months ago and remember loving it, even though some of the detail is now hazy. I found Dominique and Nicholas to be well developed characters who captured my interest. It was fascinating to observe the connection that developed between two very different individuals and to see how diverse backgrounds can sometimes foster a bond and understanding between people.
I enjoyed reading about the translator profession as this was completely new to me. The oath of confidentiality and the ethical dilemma that Dominique faced had me totally captivated. Overall, this was an amazing book, although I was somewhat disappointed in the ending.
I am mailing "The Interpreter" to aunt-sophie today and once again my apologies for keep the book so long. I left it in a suitcase and just came across it recently while packing for a short getaway.
Enjoy!
I read "The Interpreter" months ago and remember loving it, even though some of the detail is now hazy. I found Dominique and Nicholas to be well developed characters who captured my interest. It was fascinating to observe the connection that developed between two very different individuals and to see how diverse backgrounds can sometimes foster a bond and understanding between people.
I enjoyed reading about the translator profession as this was completely new to me. The oath of confidentiality and the ethical dilemma that Dominique faced had me totally captivated. Overall, this was an amazing book, although I was somewhat disappointed in the ending.
I am mailing "The Interpreter" to aunt-sophie today and once again my apologies for keep the book so long. I left it in a suitcase and just came across it recently while packing for a short getaway.
Enjoy!
I got this today! It shouldn't take too long before I get down to it.
I read it all because it was short, but I did not get into this book at all. The characters did not move me and I did not think there was much of a story, despite the ethical dilemmas presented. It was not badly written, but I just felt that it was going nowhere.
I have the next person's address already, so the book should be on its way later this week. Hopefully she likes it better than I did!
I have the next person's address already, so the book should be on its way later this week. Hopefully she likes it better than I did!
I just received this book in the mail. I am looking forward to reading it but I have a few others that I have to finish first. I will keep everyone updated....
This book has washed ashore at the Lost Book Island after not being heard from for many months. This new arrival will be shown to a room and be allowed a bit of rest before being introduced to the many fun things to do here at the island.
All around there are books sipping cool drinks under shady palms while other books participate in a wide variety of beach sports. There is plenty of sand, surf and sun here for all of the lost and wayward books to enjoy.
It is hoped that very soon a new journal entry will come to rescue this book from the island and send it back out into the BookCrossing world so that it may continue on its journey. It is hoped that the new journal entry will tell all the interested parties where this book has been this long time and where it will be traveling to next.
All around there are books sipping cool drinks under shady palms while other books participate in a wide variety of beach sports. There is plenty of sand, surf and sun here for all of the lost and wayward books to enjoy.
It is hoped that very soon a new journal entry will come to rescue this book from the island and send it back out into the BookCrossing world so that it may continue on its journey. It is hoped that the new journal entry will tell all the interested parties where this book has been this long time and where it will be traveling to next.
A fun thing to find by chance in my neighbourhood free little library box. I enjoyed the story, and I found the description of the intensity of the experience of simultaneous interpreting to be particularly compelling. I have worked with many translators and so I was drawn in by Dominique's perspective. The book is a reminder of both the power and the subtleties of language. Thank-you for sharing!
This is my first experience with BookCrossing, so I'm not sure where this book will land next. I might mail it to a friend.
This is my first experience with BookCrossing, so I'm not sure where this book will land next. I might mail it to a friend.