[Gail White]

So in addition to your other accomplishments, you can read Russian?
I'm bowled over! Many congratulations.

[Charlotte Innes]

A bit late here... but huge congrats, Jenn!

Charlotte

[Jennifer Reeser]

Cathy, I wish you were there, too. Gail, Saint Cyril -- he keeps me out of trouble. Yes, I do read Russian. These are not "versions" or "adaptations" cribbed second-hand from the translations of others, but spring directly from my readings in the original language, my own scansions for sound. Charlotte, you are right on time, as ever. My gratitude.

[Norman Ball]

For a guy that grapples with English and barely recalls 5 years of Latin, I am endlessly impressed with you multilingual folks. I look forward to reading what you're bringing over to our side.

I used to be able to get The Hudson Review at Borders. How can we find it in the Mid-Atlantic area in terms of newsstands? Would you happen to know?

best wishes
norm

[Siham Karami]

Impressive and fabulous! Akhmatova is one of my favorites, ever. Your multi-faceted work never ceases to amaze me. And can't get a better venue than that. They are soooo lucky.

Siham

[Lance Levens]

So impressive, Jennifer! It sounds as if for you Akhmatova has been a mentor. I sometimes think that's what translation is about, the other poet calling to us beyond the language barrier to step out and beyond.

[Rob Wright]

I know I'm coming late to the party here, but let me offer my own congratulations. The world does need a translation of Akhmatova that keeps not only the spirit of her poems, but the subtile structures as well. Hats off to you for doing it! Can't wait to read them. You are one impressive artists and critic.

— RobW

[Jennifer Reeser]

Norm, I do not know the answer to that -- but I will write to The Hudson Review today, and ask. Stay tuned...

Sihami, you sweetheart! *MWAH* Thanks for that.

Lance, I used to call Akhmatova my muse, but you are more on the mark, yes -- she has actually been a mentor, not only through her poetry, but by her character through the circumstances of her life, her endurance and refinement during the course of her terrible suffering under the socialists. One of the things I miss in so many English translations of Akhmatova, in fact, is the extraordinary formal dignity of her language, which seems largely to be lost. I hope that I have restored some of that superhuman, masterpiece quality to her utterance, with my own interpretations.

Rob, I am grateful for the kind words, as always.

For anyone interested in a few, "free" translations of mine online, I have written an article on Akhmatova as part of the Mezzo Cammin Women's Timeline Project. There, you can not only read a short biography, but also find transliterations, and a brief "break-down" of my method. Please, though, do not reprint these translations, as they must be approved by FTM each and every time they are published, and Akhmatova's copyright is in effect until the year 2037. In addition, there is still a living heir of Akhmatova's, who must be financially compensated for the poems. All things considered, it would indeed be a crime, to cheat this heir, methinks. Trust me -- you don't want irate Russian agents after you

The link: http://www.mezzocammin.com/timeline/...ge=akh matova

Again, thanks everyone.

Jennifer