Versos Sencillos: A Dual-Language Edition by José Martí (review)

Book Reviews As part of the Jaguar Books series for use in undergraduate courses, Authoritarian Regimes in Latin America offers a concise and chronological overview of Latin American politics and describes a range of authoritarian regimes in the region since independence. This unpleasant topic should leave readers desirous to learn about the many Latin Americans who have in various ways opposed the region’s authoritarians. David M . Carletta Department of History Michigan State University VERSOS SENCILLOS: A DUAL-LANGUAGE EDITION.B Y JOSE MARTI. TRANS. ANNE FOUNTAIN. JEFFERSON, NC: MCFARLAND & COMPANY, 2005, P. 130, $35.00. This edition of Marti’s most famous and beloved book of poems is a duallanguage format that includes notes, a preface, an introduction and a short bibliography. The introduction offers insight into the translation process, the background of this edition and a brief overview of Marti and his work. Marti’s original prologue is also included and translated. In the footnote to this prologue, the translator underscores the importance of understanding the motives that inspired Marti to write Versos sencillos: his sorrows, fears, hopes, love, concerns, and his trust in others. As the translator notes, the reader is introduced to the myriad questions that the translator must answer as she takes on the task of translating, and the difficult word choices she must make. The first translator’s note discusses the quandary encountered in the title of Marti’s book, Versos sencillos. Dr. Fountain chose to keep the title in Spanish because the possible English translations of the words ”sencillo” and ”versos” did not capture the essence of the book and would have narrowed the meaning contained in its title. “What to call them? The verses speak with clarity and sincerity, convey sentiment in an earnest and honest fashion, and reflect nature with insight but without affection. To say that they are sincere songs of an honest heart is one way to suggest their meaning” (3). In the preface, the translator also informs us of her primary objective in this edition: to offer a translation of Marti’s verses joining rhyme and rhythm while respecting Marti’s message, and to create an English translation that can be read aloud and that flows naturally. The Spanish language rhyme is followed as much as possible but not so closely as to change the essence of Marti’s original text. Meaning or message is not sacrificed in these translations. Robert Frost is credited as stating, “Poetry is what gets lost in translation.” In the case of this book of poems, that adage does not hold true. Dr. Fountain has proven her poetic sensibility as she translated Marti’s work. The translator has continuously asked herself as she worked on these translations what choices she had as a translator, what word choices did the poet have and why did he choose those specificwords? How do these words impact his ‘GT 129) The Latin Ainericanist, Spriiig 2007 message? How will the translator’s word choice impact the translated text and how will they ”change” the effect the original text has upon its audience? Peter Newmark in Manual del Traductorsignals the importance of word choice when translating poetry where the central unit of the text is the word, and in unison with it, the verse (223). Dr. Fountain has taken great care in her word selection so as to honor the semantic associations presented in the original Spanish text and to create a cadence within the translated text that is rich and vibrant. In the ”Translator Notes” included at the end of the book, the reader can appreciate the care taken while assuming liberties when translating to English or when conserving the Spanish word when an English translation would cause a loss. This cultural borrowing is very effective in the instances where it is used. In this book of translations, Dr. Fountain also presents an overview of previous translations of Versos Sencillos and credits others for their work. In addition, a brief history of the song ”Guantanamera” is included, acknowledging the importance that the song has had in presenting Marti’s verses throughout the world, albeit at times with liberties and distortion. Dr. Fountain’s understanding of Cuban culture and...