Another great one is 'The Shining' by Stephen King. The psychological horror elements in this novel, along with the spooky setting of the Overlook Hotel, have made it a best - seller around the world. Its translations have introduced King's brand of horror to many different cultures.
I also recommend 'The Exorcist'. When translated, the story of demonic possession still retains its power to shock and horrify. The religious and psychological aspects of the horror are presented in a way that can be understood by readers of different cultures through translation.
Another way is to follow horror - themed book blogs or groups on social media platforms. People often share their favorite translated horror novels there, and you can get some really interesting recommendations that you might not find elsewhere.
Sure. 'Frankenstein' is a great start. It's not only a horror classic but also a profound exploration of human nature. The story of a scientist creating a monster has been translated widely. It's not overly gory but still has that element of the unknown and the terrifying.
One example could be a Japanese horror story translated into English where the nuances of the Japanese language's use of atmosphere and cultural references are completely lost. For instance, a certain word in Japanese that implies a malevolent spirit might be translated as just 'ghost' in a very bland way, losing the deeper sense of dread. Another example might be a Spanish horror story where the complex verb tenses used to build suspense are translated in a very basic way, ruining the flow and the overall spooky feel.
One common theme is the supernatural. There are often ghosts, spirits, or otherworldly entities involved. For example, stories of haunted places or cursed objects.
Here are some recommended short plays adapted from English novels:
1. " Pride and Predict ": This is Jane Austen's classic romance novel, which tells the story of the Bennett family. The television series released by the British BBC in 1995 was well received.
2. " Women in Love ": This short play was adapted from D.H. Lawrence's novel. Through film and television, it shows the spiritual dilemma of people in the changing era.
3. " Frankenstein ": This play was adapted from the novel of the same name by Mary Shelley. It was regarded as the first real science fiction novel in modern times in the West. The story was strange and unique.
Please note that the recommended short play above is adapted from an English novel, but not limited to the BBC adaptation.
Sure. One story might be about a haunted house. A person moves into an old, dilapidated house. At night, they hear strange noises, like creaking floorboards and whispering voices. Every time they try to find the source, it seems to move around. Eventually, they see a shadowy figure in the hallway that disappears when they turn on the light.
Badly translated horror stories can make the reading experience quite dull. If the translator fails to capture the essence of the horror elements, like the creepy atmosphere or the sense of impending doom, the reader won't feel the intended fear. For example, if the translation makes the monster seem less menacing, it's not as engaging.