Swedish translator Anna Holmwood recently produced the first ever English version of the famous 1950s Chinese martial arts novel Legends of the Condor Heroes, after working on the project for six years.
The first volume of the book was published earlier this month by MacLehose Press.
Holmwood’s love for Chinese literature first came about when she traveled to China alone in her early 20s.
"It was a wonderful trip. I was sorry I couldn't understand Chinese, but I was curious. I decided to learn Chinese on my return to Europe," Anna remembers.
Holmwood first studied at Oxford, then at Taiwan Normal University Language Center, and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, specializing in literature and history.
She favors Chinese classical literature and Tang dynasty poetry. One of her favorites is female poet Li Qingzhao.
Holmwood chose to translate the work by Louis Cha Leung-yong, whose pen name is Jin Yong, since she believes martial arts novels are the inheritance of classic literary works like Journey to the West.
According to her, the last six years were a really hard period, since she had to take care of her young son when she was translating.
In the future, Holmwood will translate more Chinese works and continue to be a facilitator for Sino-Europe cultural exchange.