Ander Louis, an IT worker from Melbourne, has created a “bogan” translation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel War and Peace, originally set in early 19th-century Russian high society. His interpretation features colloquial Australian language, transforming characters into “sheilas” and “drongos.” Louis, whose real name is Andrew Tesoriero, began this project in 2018 as a light-hearted endeavor but is on the verge of securing a book deal.
Louis’s approach reflects his personal humor, with lines that mimic how one might narrate a story at a pub. His translation opens with a phrase like “bloody hell” and delivers important character deaths with expressions such as “he’s cactus.” Although the term “bogan” originally had negative connotations in Australia, Louis regards it as an endearing descriptor. He believes that the informal Australian slang he employs resonates well with the themes of Tolstoy’s work, suggesting that it serves as an equalizer across social classes.
Initially daunted by the book’s size, Louis embraced reading War and Peace in 2016 through an online community that encouraged daily reading. After rediscovering the novel, he found it necessary to lighten his writing tone, leading to the current translation. His project remained somewhat obscure until a tech writer’s post about it gained significant traction this year, resulting in increased sales.
The fascination with Louis’s translation may also relate to a rise in popularity for Australian culture, spurred by shows like Bluey in the U.S. The informal style of his version has made it more accessible, earning praise for its clarity. Despite the playful tone, Louis sees himself much like Pierre, Tolstoy’s main character, and expresses curiosity about what the author would think of his reinterpretation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2lkjd2kmdo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss