The Cercador Prize has awarded its 2025 honor to Christina MacSweeney for her translation of Jazmina Barrera’s acclaimed work, The Queen of Swords, published by Two Lines Press. This announcement reflects the prize’s commitment to recognizing outstanding translation efforts, with the award being judged entirely by independent booksellers.
A Unique Prize with a Strong Purpose
Established to celebrate the art of translation, the Cercador Prize has quickly gained recognition since its inception. The selection process is distinctive: rather than a formal submission system, a jury of independent booksellers curates a shortlist based on their personal reading experiences. This inclusive approach allows for a diverse range of genres, from fiction and memoir to poetry and hybrid prose.
The jury praised MacSweeney’s translation, noting that The Queen of Swords stands out as a “lyrical translation” that captivated the committee. The book delves into the life of Elena Garro, a pivotal figure in magical realism, presenting an exploration filled with contradictions and complexities. The jury described it as “a book of reversals and research, an unwaveringly brilliant portrait of a complex and undone life, captured in art and destruction, love and pain, faith and persecution.”
Celebrated Translators and Their Impact
Christina MacSweeney is recognized as one of the foremost translators working today, having worked on various noteworthy projects. Her previous translations include works by prominent authors such as Elvira Navarro, Valeria Luiselli, and Karla Suárez. She has contributed to several anthologies of Latin American literature, enhancing the visibility and appreciation of diverse voices in the literary world.
MacSweeney’s recent accolades include a shortlist nomination for the Queen Sofía Institute Translation Prize for her translation of Jazmina Barrera’s Cross-Stitch. Additionally, her translation of Rabbit Island by Elvira Navarro was longlisted for a National Book Award, and Clyo Mendoza’s Fury received a nod for the Valle-Inclán Translation Prize.
Jazmina Barrera, the author of six books in Spanish, has collaborated with MacSweeney on multiple occasions. The Queen of Swords is their fourth project together, following titles like Linea Nigra, which was a finalist for both the Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Autobiography Prize. Barrera is also the co-founder and editor of Ediciones Antílopes, contributing significantly to the literary landscape.
This year’s Cercador jury featured a distinguished group of independent booksellers, including Javi Tapia from Third Place Books in Seattle, Dylan McGonigle from Wayfinder Bookshop in Fairfax, Beatriz Quiroz García from Skylight Books in Los Angeles, C. Rees from Alienated Majesty Books in Austin, and prize chair Emily Tarr of Thank You Books in Birmingham, Alabama.
The recognition of MacSweeney’s translation signifies not only the importance of literary translation but also the role of independent booksellers in promoting and celebrating diverse narratives. The 2025 Cercador Prize highlights the value of literature in bridging cultures and understanding, encouraging readers to engage with stories that challenge conventions and provoke thought.
