Invisible translation in literary reviews

The essay critiques the undervaluation of literary translation in academia and cultural discourse, highlighting a tendency to either ignore translators or criticize their fidelity. It discusses how contemporary translators are often praised for their "invisibility," particularly in book reviews that prioritize content over the translator's contributions. Citing Lawrence Venuti's influential work on translation fluency versus foreignization, the essay also references André Lefevere's theory of literature as a system, emphasizing the cultural implications of translating texts.