Mr B’s pledges support for translated fiction post-Brexit

Independent bookshop Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights has written an open letter to publishers of translated fiction, pledging support for their work in the wake of Brexit.

In the letter, addressed to publishers such as Alma Books, Chicken House, Maclehose Press and Seren Books, owner Nic Bottomley said: “In the dismal afterglow [of Brexit] we’re feeling the need to switch straight back into a positive gear on the shop floor, to reiterate our immense thanks to you for publishing the incredible translated works that offer a window into so many different worlds and to demonstrate our solidarity with you in these complex times.”

He continued: “Musing on the myriad implications of the narrow ‘leave’ vote’, I found myself focusing on the fact that our friends whose businesses centre on publishing translated works… are probably facing trickier challenges than us right now.”

Bottomley said that his business is “determined” to continue supporting translated books “be it via display, hand-sell or other more overt messaging”.

He also asked publishers to tell him about any specific titles the shop should be getting behind.

“Even if in the future it becomes more of an expensive pain in the ass to translate and publish European works, we remain excited each time you do it,” he said.

The letter was addressed to representatives of Alma Books, &Other Stories, Bitter Lemon Press, Calisi Press, Chicken House, Comma Press, Daunt Books, Dedalus Books, Europa Editions, Five Leaves Publications, Fitzcarraldo Editions, Gallic Books, Granta Books, Harvill Secker, Haus Publishing, Hesperus Press, Holland Park Press, Istros Books, Maclehose Press, MPT Magazine, Oneworld Publications, Orenda Books, Peirene Press, Penguin Books, Peter Owen, Picador, Profile Books, Pushkin Press, Saqi Books, Scribe Publications, Seren Books, Smokestack Books, Sort Of Books, Stork Press, Vagabond Voices and World Editions.