Tagged “Fiction”
Browse Tagged “Fiction” from the Canadian Macedonian Heritage Society archive, library and community collections.
MACEDONIAN IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES – Two Authors, Three Novels
The Canadian Macedonian Historical Society hosted a talk titled “Macedonian Immigrants and Refugees – Two Authors, Three Novels,” featuring a discussion with authors Sylvia Karakaltsas and Tom Petsinis about their works A Perfect Stone, Fitzroy Raw, and Fog. The presentation explored the rare presence of Macedonian protagonists in English-language fiction and examined why the authors chose to focus on Macedonian history and identity. Through their novels, they depict the experiences of young Macedonian refugees and immigrants—highlighting themes of displacement, adaptation, and resilience. The discussion also անդրlined the role of research and personal narratives in shaping their stories, connecting these fictional accounts to the real-life experiences of many Macedonian families in the diaspora.
Translating Balkans - Professor Christina Kramer, author, translator, linguist
On March 3, Professor Christina Kramer—Chair of Slavic languages at the University of Toronto—presented a lecture and book launch titled "Translating the Balkans," where she detailed the intricate and often "agonizing" process of translating Macedonian and Bulgarian literary works into English. Focusing on her translations of authors Luan Starova and Goce Smilevski, Kramer described her methodology as a multi-stage evolution: beginning with a raw "blast" of words followed by months of meticulous polishing to balance English fluency with loyalty to the original tone and intent. The event, supported by the Canadian Macedonian Historical Society and the Albanian Canadian Community Association, highlighted the cultural significance of these works and featured a live Skype appearance by Starova, as well as a tribute to Smilevski’s award-winning novel Freud's Sister. Kramer's expertise was underscored by praise from critics and authors alike, emphasizing her ability to make translated prose feel as though it were originally authored in English.
