Analytical perspectives on the English translation of Kachurowsky’s novel “Because deserters are immortal”

Abstract

This article offers a critical examination of Yuriy Tkach’s English translation of Ihor Kachurowsky’s novel, because deserters are Immortal by scrutinizing the core strategies employed to achieve artistic integrity in the target text. Drawing particularly on Victor Koptilov’s four-stage model for systematic engagement with the source text, the study highlights the translator’s holistic approach and his commitment to preserving the author’s style. Analysis of the direct correspondence between author and translator further elucidates Yuriy Tkach’s nuanced lexical and stylistic choices, demonstrating his adeptness in conveying historical and cultural realia, authorial neologisms, and colloquialisms. Furthermore, the article explores instances of untranslatability stemming from grammatical discrepancies between English and Ukrainian, evaluating the translator’s innovative solutions to these challenges.