We spoke to the author and translator about how the novel began life as a theatrical monologue, the crossover between Italian and Anglophone literature, and why we should deconstruct the concept of canon
Leah Janeczko
Originally from Chicago, Leah Janeczko has lived in Milan since 1991. For over 25 years she’s been an Italian-to-English translator of fiction for all ages
Her recent translations include Glowrushes (Lo stralisco) by Roberto Piumini, who received the Rodari Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and has twice been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award; At the Wolf’s Table / The Women at Hitler’s Table (Le assaggiatrici) by Rosella Postorino, winner of the 2018 Campiello Prize; and Lost on Me (Niente di Vero, shortlisted for the 2022 Premio Strega) by Veronica Raimo. She also writes English song lyrics for Italian bands.
All nominated books
Narrated in a voice as wryly ironic as it is warm and affectionate, Lost on Me seductively explores the slippery relationship between deceitfulness and creativity
Translated by Leah Janeczko