Headshot of Ann Goldstein for The London Magazine Podcast
The London Magazine Podcast
July 31, 2025

Ann Goldstein

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On this episode of The London Magazine Podcast, we speak to translator and editor Ann Goldstein, renowned for bringing Elena Ferrante’s work to English readers. A former editor at the New Yorker, Goldstein has also translated Primo Levi, Jhumpa Lahiri and, most recently, Donatella Di Pietrantonio’s The Brittle Age

In the episode, we discuss the oxymoron of the ‘celebrated translator’, her early encounters with Italian through Dante and the story of how she became Ferrante’s translator. Goldstein reflects on Ferrante’s unique syntax and style, as well as the broader challenges of Italian–English translation.

Listen to the episode below, and follow The London Magazine Podcast on Spotify to never miss an episode.

The London Magazine Podcast | Season 3, Episode 5: Ann Goldstein on Elena Ferrante and the art of translation



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