Brazilian Children's Book The Girl from Belarus Finds New Life in Belarusian Translation
A Brazilian children's book, The Girl from Belarus, has now been published in Belarusian. Written by Blandina Franco and illustrated by her husband, José Carlos Lollo, the story blends magical realism with real-world settings. The translation carefully preserves the book's playful language and rural charm, earning praise for its literary and artistic quality.
Blandina Franco, a prolific Brazilian author with over 50 children's books to her name, crafted this tale with a bold and direct voice. The narrative speaks to readers as if in conversation, pulling them into a world where spirits appear, the dead are encountered, and journeys defy logic. The story's magic unfolds in a nameless town—later revealed as Druya, a real Belarusian settlement the author researched thoroughly.
The protagonists embark on a crucial walk between Braslav and Druya, grounding the fantastical plot in actual geography. The main character's name remains a mystery until the final pages, adding to the intrigue. Translators faced the challenge of adapting rural nicknames and wordplay, ensuring the Belarusian edition stayed true to the original's wit and warmth. The book has already won major awards in Brazil and internationally, recognised for both its writing and Lollo's striking illustrations. His artwork, carried over into the Belarusian version, brings the story's magical elements to life with vivid detail.
The Belarusian release of The Girl from Belarus marks a rare cultural exchange between the two countries. Franco's deep research and Lollo's illustrations create a story that feels both universal and deeply rooted in Belarus. With its awards and careful translation, the book now reaches new readers in a language close to its setting.
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