Dislocations by Sylvia Molloy

Translation is an important, necessary, and often overlooked side of the book world. Since its inception in 2017, Edinburgh’s Charco Press has been one of the finest exponents, specialising in translating contemporary Latin American fiction into English, resulting in three International Booker Prize nominations. Their latest publication is Dislocations by Argentinian novelist and literary critic Sylvia Molloy – translated by Jennifer Croft. Over a series of short chapters, most of a page or less, the narrator makes a number of visits to her friend M.L., who is suffering from Alzheimer's.

At the book’s heart are questions about the nature of memory. As M.L. begins to lose hers, the narrator examines the shared power of mutual memories, and whether losing this power lessens those recollections, and in turn the individual who is still able to reflect upon them. It is a heartbreaking read, and its power lies in the straightforward, honest and spare nature of the prose which avoids excessive sentiment. As simple tasks such as eating and reading begin to escape M.L., the narrator feels guilt and a loss of self she can’t quite comprehend, and reflects on the friendship and the growing sense of loss despite brief moments of respite for both.

Dislocations proves to be a masterclass in writing, with a brevity and clarity which is both rare and welcome, and firmly situates Molloy as an outstanding talent.

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Charco Press, 1 Nov
charcopress.com/bookstore/dislocations