American model and dietitian Maye Musk who’s known as the mother of Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk, and Tosca Musk expressed a desire on Twitter for her hew book A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success to be translated in Georgian.
Of course, there was a massive competition between publishing houses and translators in Georgia for obtaining the right of publishing the book. Because of the enormous interest of Georgian publishing houses, an auction was held and the right of publishing was obtained by the publishing house “Cezanne Publishing” and GZAAT 2016 alumnus Giorgi Aronia was chosen as the translator of the book. After translating the book and publishing it, Giorgi donated the book to the GZAAT library. I decided to interview Giorgi to find out more about the translation and his working experience in detail.
The interviewer: Can you give us a quick summary of the book? Why do you think people should read it?
Giorgi Aronia: Maye is a powerful woman, who lived through some tough times, but somehow managed to find the inner power to bounce back. Contrary to popular belief, her life was not always all silky smooth; it was rather rough, filled with frustration and poverty. It had been published in several countries already and got to be a bestseller every time. This means that the reader familiarizes herself with Maye, with her struggles. “A Woman Makes a Plan” is meant to inspire and empower women all around the globe, but I do think that men can catch up on some learning, as well.
Interviewer: What audience do you think this book is written for? Do you think teenagers should read it and why?
Giorgi Aronia: In an interview that we recorded, Maye says that her audience is diverse and not only consists of women but also men. I do not like to say what people should read and what they should not, as it is a very personal experience. I do think, though, that the storyline of the book, the crazy journeys that Maye took with her family, is worth giving it a shot.
Interviewer: What was your inspiration behind translating this book?
Giorgi Aronia: Well, it’s quite an unusual story. I was working on a different translation when the news spread around about Maye wanting to publish her book in Georgia. I pitched this idea to the publisher, and after the bureaucratic procedures and the auction, Cezanne Publishing acquired the rights to publish Maye’s book. Since this was more urgent work, I transitioned to Maye’s book.
Interviewer: What sparked your interest in the book? What is so special about it? What makes it different from other books of the same genre?
Giorgi Aronia: I follow Elon’s work closely. That’s how I got to know Maye, as Elon’s mom. Well, in the meantime, I realized that Maye herself is a one-of-a-kind lady. She made Elon who he is today. No doubt about that. By the way, she also writes about how she raised her children to be so successful in life. She is a mother of three, and all of them are incredibly hardworking and talented people who know what they want to do in life.
Interviewer: Why did you decide to donate the book to the GZAAT library?
Giorgi Aronia: The time I spent at the Academy changed my life. Without the Academy, I would not be where I am today. People there are incredible, whom I appreciate very much. So, donating the book, my first translation, is the smallest I could do. Happiness is in the little things, you know. Oh, also we have one of the best libraries, so why not?
Interviewer: What can the GZAAT community learn from this book?
Giorgi Aronia: Acceptance, maybe? It’s something that our society lacks.
I want to thank Giorgi Aronia for the interesting interview and for donating the book to the GZAAT library and, for the opportunity of reading this book he gave the Georgian community.
Edited by Liza Jariashvili
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