Bergen LitFest: Translation in the spotlight - Nina Lykke meets Karolina Drozdowska

What is it like for an author to have their own words translated to another language, and how far can we trust the translator to have picked up all the nuances? What is it like to translate the words of others without changing them to your own, but retaining the author’s special character?

Nina Lykke two prize-winning novels No, a Hundred Times No (original title: Nei og atter nei, 2016) and Natural Causes (original title: Full spredning, 2019) have both been translated to Polish by Karolina Drozdowska. The latter has produced a number of Polish translations of Norwegian books, and can say something about what happens when words in one language are converted into another.

Author and translator meet for a conversation moderated by Eirik Bø, CEO of Pelikanen Forlag.

In collaboration with NORLA.

The event will be in Norwegian.

Upcoming activities

October 23

Krakow, Poland

New Voices Authors at a book trade meeting in Krakow

The participants in NORLA’s New Voices program will this autumn put into practice what they have learned during the workshops, and meet publishers and/or readers in real life. The goal is to support the sale and dissemination of their books into more languages – on the way to Bologna.

During the International Book Fair in Krakow, NORLA is hosting a book trade meeting featuring presentations by New Voices authors Arne Lindmo, Gøril Sæther, and Pernille Radeid. In addition, Norwegian agents will meet with representatives from the Polish publishing industry.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Warsaw.

November 14-November 16

Shanghai, China

Norwegian Participation at the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair

NORLA is taking part in the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair with a stand designed for meetings and professional networking. The two illustrators/authors Øyvind Torseter and Marianne Gretteberg Engedal (Skinkeape) will participate in the fair’s professional program and panel discussions. Both also serve on the jury for the Norwegian illustration exhibition at Bologna 2026.
In addition, several Norwegian publishers/agents will take part.

The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Shanghai.

December 2-December 5

Rome, Italy

Networking Event and Launch of the Guest of Honour Program during the Rome Book Fair Più libri più liberi

The book fair Più libri più liberi is dedicated to small and medium-sized publishers, and NORLA is looking forward to participating for the second time – focusing on Norway’s Guest of Honour initiative at Bologna 2026 and on Norwegian children’s literature in general.

And just like last year, we are hosting a networking event and gearing up for Bologna 2026 by launching the Guest of Honour concept and program. Also, Norwegian agents will take part in the fair’s fellowship and/or be present in the rights centre.

The program is organized in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Rome.