Untranslatable

An irresistible, razor-sharp memoir about a literary translator’s many selves—wife, mother, global citizen—and the strange convergences of life, language, and craft

As a literary translator, Lara Vergnaud opens doors to transformative worlds: patients grapple with mysterious illnesses, butchers go mad, mothers grieve for lost children. As she translates each work—patiently, obsessively—her own life continues apace with the complexities of such stories: a string of dizzy spells sends her to the hospital; she struggles with infertility; marital strains accumulate; a multicultural upbringing fosters a sense of unbelonging.

Over time, Vergnaud finds her personal journeys are a mirror for her craft. As a translator, she is to remain invisible, but sometimes that invisibility extends to the home front, too; she balances languages and cultures, but also selves, states, and epiphanies. Just as Vergnaud searches for the right words to transcend language itself, she seeks solutions to ordinary hardships with novelistic twists, all while pondering her place—and responsibility—in this world.

Searing and quick-witted, Untranslatable traces the boundaries of language, labor, and love. With unflinching candor and shocks of humor, Lara Vergnaud braids a mesmerizing tapestry of life as an artist between worlds.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs