Picture an American wordsmith who spins stories across languages, bringing global voices to life—meet Jennifer Croft! A celebrated translator and author, Croft won the 2018 Man Booker International Prize for her luminous translation of Olga Tokarczuk’s Flights. With her memoir Homesick and debut novel The Extinction of Irena Rey, she’s redefining how we see translation and storytelling.
From her Tulsa roots to her advocacy for translators’ recognition, Croft’s journey is a vibrant tapestry of literature, culture, and creativity. Let’s dive into the world of this literary trailblazer!
The Making of Jennifer Croft
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jennifer Croft was a prodigy, enrolling at the University of Tulsa at just 15. Her passion for languages led her to a BA in 2001, followed by an MFA in literary translation from the University of Iowa. A Fulbright scholarship took her to Warsaw, Poland, where she immersed herself in Polish culture, laying the foundation for her career. Croft’s fascination with translation began early, sparked by a desire to bridge cultures and amplify voices from Polish, Ukrainian, and Argentine Spanish.
Jennifer Croft’s Unforgettable Stories
Croft’s translations are nothing short of alchemy. Her rendition of Olga Tokarczuk’s Flights (2017) is a kaleidoscopic novel blending travel, history, and human connection, earning the 2018 Man Booker International Prize. She followed with Tokarczuk’s The Books of Jacob (2021), a sprawling historical epic that showcases her ability to tackle complex narratives. Both works highlight her knack for preserving the original’s essence while crafting prose that sings in English.
As an author, Croft shines just as brightly. Her memoir Homesick (2019), originally written in Spanish as Serpientes y escaleras, is an autofictional gem exploring childhood and language through vivid vignettes and photographs. It won the 2020 William Saroyan International Prize. Her debut novel, The Extinction of Irena Rey (2024), is a witty, metafictional mystery set in Poland’s Białowieża Forest, where eight translators unravel secrets after their author vanishes. Critics praise its playful take on translation and art.
Croft’s style is a dance of precision and creativity, blending intellectual depth with humor. Her works often explore identity, nature, and the interplay of languages, reflecting her belief that translators co-create literature. Whether translating or writing, she crafts stories that linger like a well-told tale.
Why Jennifer Croft Matters
Jennifer Croft is more than a translator or author—she’s a cultural bridge. Her advocacy for translator visibility challenges the myth of the “invisible” translator, emphasizing their role as co-creators. Her translations have brought Polish literature to global audiences, while her own works redefine memoir and fiction. Awards like the Guggenheim Fellowship and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award underscore her influence. Croft’s legacy is a world where stories transcend borders, inviting readers to see language anew.
About Jennifer Croft
- Born: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Key Works: Flights (translation), The Books of Jacob (translation), Homesick, The Extinction of Irena Rey
- Awards: 2018 Man Booker International Prize, 2020 William Saroyan International Prize, 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship
- Languages: Translates from Polish, Ukrainian, Argentine Spanish
Snag Homesick or The Extinction of Irena Rey and dive into Jennifer Croft’s dazzling world of words!