Translator’s Visibility and Cultural Mediation : Marilyn Booth’s Role in the Success of Celestial Bodies

Abstract

This study investigates the role of translation and translator visibility in achieving international success, with a focus on Marilyn Booth’s English translation of Jokha Alharthi’s award-winning novel Celestial Bodies. The objective is to explore how Booth’s translation contributes to the novel’s global acclaim, emphasizing the translator’s role in cultural mediation and literary accessibility. Using a combination of Sakina and Marry's narrative theory and Lawrence Venuti’s concept of translator invisibility, the study analyzes Booth’s stylistic choices, the preface, and notes included in the translation, evaluating how these elements aid readers in understanding the cultural and temporal aspects of the original text. The research also examines Booth’s impact on the novel’s coherence, narrative flow, and cultural adaptation. The key findings suggest that Booth’s translation successfully preserves the novel’s intricate, non-linear narrative while maintaining its cultural richness, making it accessible to English-speaking audiences. Her application of Mona Baker’s principles of framing, coherence, and selective appropriation ensures that the emotional depth and complexity of the original work are retained. The results highlight Booth’s visibility as a key factor in the novel’s international success, positioning her not only as a translator but also as a cultural mediator who has helped bridge cultural divides. The study concludes that translation plays a crucial role in promoting Arabic literature on the global stage, demonstrating how a thoughtful, visible translation can elevate a literary work and expand its reach to a wider audience