Lydia Davis
Lydia Davis: A Life of Literary Excellence
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Lydia Davis is the full name of this celebrated American short story writer, novelist, and translator.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 7, 1947, in North Adams, Massachusetts. Currently active in her literary pursuits.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Short Story Writer, Novelist, Translator
#### Early Life and Background
Lydia Davis grew up in a family that valued literature and the arts. Her father was an engineer, but it was her mother's love for reading and writing that had a profound impact on Lydia's early life. She began writing at a young age, influenced by the modernist movement and the works of James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Samuel Beckett.
#### Major Accomplishments
Davis's unique writing style has earned her numerous accolades. Some of her notable achievements include:
Her short stories often explore themes of marriage, relationships, and human psychology.
She has been praised for her innovative use of language, which blends simplicity with complexity.
In 2009, she was awarded the prestigious Man Booker International Prize.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Some of Lydia Davis's most notable works include:
Break It Down (1986) - a collection of short stories that showcased her mastery of the form.
Almost No Memory (1997) - a novel that explores the complexities of human relationships.
Her translations of modernist French writers, such as Marcel Proust and Raymond Roussel.
#### Impact and Legacy
Lydia Davis's influence on contemporary literature is undeniable. Her innovative style has inspired a new generation of writers to experiment with language and form. Her work continues to be widely read and studied in academic circles.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Davis's unique voice and perspective have made her one of the most quoted and remembered authors of our time. Her ability to capture the complexities of human relationships through concise, yet powerful prose has resonated with readers worldwide.
Quotes by Lydia Davis
I do think novels are overlooked. I did write one some years ago that I think is quite good, called 'The End of the Story,' not to blow my own horn.
Even though I believe a superlative translation can achieve timelessness, that doesn't mean I think other translators shouldn't attempt other versions. The more the better, in the end.
Of course we may have any number of translations of a given text - the more the better, really.
If a translation doesn't have obvious writing problems, it may seem quite all right at first glance. We readers, after all, quickly adapt to the style of a translator, stop noticing it, and get caught up in the story.
The existence of another, competing translation is a good thing, in general, and only immediately discouraging to one person - the translator who, after one, two, or three years of more or less careful work, sees another, and perhaps superior, version appear as if overnight.
I wrote the first draft of 'Madame Bovary' without studying the previous translations, although I gathered them and took the occasional peek.
Collections aren't really planned. I just keep writing short pieces until I have enough for a collection.
All of the little entries in 'The Cows' were written in an irregular way. There might be one or two done one day, and then two weeks might go by or four weeks, and then they were put in an order or sequence.