Translated Books 2022: The Best International Reads by Women Writers
Craving a book that offers fresh perspectives? This list of 2022 translated books by women writers will take you on a journey to new worlds and voices.
The Best 2022 Translated Books by Women Writers
If you love books that carry you to other countries, immerse you in different cultures, and introduce you to voices you might never otherwise hear, translated literature is such a gift. I’ve always felt a certain magic in reading a book that’s traveled across languages—it’s like getting a passport stamp without leaving your couch.
2022 was an incredible year for translated books by women writers. Whether you’re looking for epic historical sagas, intimate coming-of-age stories, gothic mysteries, or thought-provoking poetry, this list has something for you. These are the translated books from 2022 that made me think, feel, and see the world differently—and I can’t wait to share them with you.
13 Translated Books
The Antarctica of Love by Sara Stridsberg, Translated by Deborah Bragan-Turner
This haunting novel begins after the narrator’s own murder, and from there, she looks back on her life, her family, and the circumstances that brought her to the margins. Sara Stridsberg crafts an unflinching yet tender portrait of love, loss, and redemption, making it one of the most unforgettable books I read that year. I picked it because it’s perfect for readers who aren’t afraid of darker, more lyrical storytelling, and it left me gutted but strangely hopeful.
‘You can get a copy of The Antarctica of Love by Sara Stridsberg, Translated by Deborah Bragan-Turner on Amazon or Bookshop.
Strangers I Know by Claudia Durastanti, Translated by Elizabeth Harris
Told through fragmented memories and shifting geographies, this novel follows a young woman growing up with unconventional, deaf parents and a sense of displacement that never quite leaves her. It’s funny, profound, and beautifully observant about how language shapes identity. I loved it for its bold style and emotional honesty—ideal for fans of autofiction like Rachel Cusk or Karl Ove Knausgård.
You can get a copy of Strangers I Know by Claudia Durastanti, Translated by Elizabeth Harris on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk, Translated by Jennifer Croft
At nearly 1,000 pages, this Nobel Prize–winner’s magnum opus is a feat of storytelling. Following the rise and fall of Jacob Frank, a controversial religious leader in 18th-century Europe, it blends history, philosophy, and myth. I chose it because it’s a masterpiece of world literature—one that rewards patience—and I felt like I’d lived a whole other life by the time I finished.
You can get a copy of The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk, Translated by Jennifer Croft on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Last Wild Horses by Maja Lunde, Translated by Diane Oatley
This is a sweeping, multi-timeline novel about humanity’s relationship with nature, told through the lens of the endangered Przewalski’s horse. Moving between the 19th century, the present day, and a dystopian future, it’s both a love letter to the natural world and a warning. I picked it because it’s a perfect choice for readers who loved The Overstory and want a climate fiction story that’s full of heart.
You can get a copy of The Last Wild Horses by Maja Lunde, Translated by Diane Oatley on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Resting Place by Camilla Sten, Translated by Alexandra Fleming
Part gothic mystery, part psychological thriller, this one follows Eleanor, who suffers from face blindness, as she inherits a mysterious country estate after her grandmother’s murder. The tension builds as family secrets and eerie discoveries come to light. I loved it for the chilly, atmospheric setting—perfect for fans of The Sanatorium or Rebecca.
You can get a copy of The Resting Place by Camilla Sten, Translated by Alexandra Fleming on Amazon or Bookshop.
Bitter Orange Tree by Jokha Alharthi, Translated by Marilyn Booth
This quietly powerful novel follows a young Omani woman studying in Britain as she reflects on her past, her homeland, and the woman who raised her. It’s an intimate story about memory, loss, and cultural identity. I chose it because of its emotional resonance—it’s for readers who love introspective, character-driven fiction.
You can get a copy of Bitter Orange Tree by Jokha Alharthi, Translated by Marilyn Booth on Amazon or Bookshop.
Grown Ups by Marie Aubert, Translated by Rosie Hedger
A sharp, sometimes painfully honest look at sibling rivalry and motherhood, set against the backdrop of a family gathering at a summer cabin. This book reminded me of those tense family holidays where unresolved feelings bubble to the surface. I recommend it if you like domestic dramas with emotional bite, à la Ann Patchett or Elizabeth Strout.
You can get a copy of Grown Ups by Marie Aubert, Translated by Rosie Hedger on Amazon or Bookshop.
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Swanfolk by Kristin Omarsdottir, Translated by Vala Thorodds
This surreal novel follows a young intelligence agent who becomes fascinated by strange, half-swan, half-human creatures she encounters in a marshland. It’s eerie, dreamlike, and full of questions about identity and belonging. I loved it because it’s unlike anything I’ve read—ideal for readers drawn to the strange and mythical.
You can get a copy of Swanfolk by Kristin Omarsdottir, Translated by Vala Thorodds on Amazon or Bookshop.
Dogs of Summer by Andrea Abreu, Translated by Julia Sanches
Set in a working-class neighborhood in the Canary Islands, this coming-of-age novel explores the intense friendship—and simmering desire—between two adolescent girls during one unforgettable summer. The language is raw, intimate, and full of longing. I picked it because it perfectly captures the claustrophobia and electricity of growing up in a small town.
You can get a copy of Dogs of Summer by Andrea Abreu, Translated by Julia Sanches on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Impatient by Djaili Amadou Amal, Translated by Emma Ramadan
Told from the perspectives of three women in Cameroon, this novel exposes the injustices of forced marriage, polygamy, and domestic abuse while celebrating resilience and solidarity. I chose it because it’s both heartbreaking and empowering, and it’s perfect for readers who seek socially conscious fiction.
You can get a copy of The Impatient by Djaili Amadou Amal, Translated by Emma Ramadan on Amazon or Bookshop.
The Threshold by Iman Mersal, Translated by Robyn Creswell
This collection draws from the Egyptian poet’s early work, blending themes of love, loss, exile, and daily life. Her poems are fierce yet tender, and I kept returning to certain lines long after finishing. It’s a great pick for readers new to translated poetry.
You can get a copy of The Threshold by Iman Mersal, Translated by Robyn Creswell on Amazon or Bookshop.
Seven Empty Houses by Samanta Schweblin, Translated by Megan McDowell
In these unsettling short stories, each “empty” house hides a truth—or a secret—that seeps into the characters’ lives. Schweblin’s stories are strange, suspenseful, and impossible to forget. I chose it because her writing always makes me see the ordinary in a new, eerie light.
You can get a copy of Seven Empty Houses by Samanta Schweblin, Translated by Megan McDowell on Amazon or Bookshop.
Strega by Johanne Lykke Holm, Translated by Saskia Vogel
Set in a remote Alpine hotel, this gothic novel follows nine young women sent there to work—until one of them disappears. It’s moody, atmospheric, and laced with menace. I picked it for fans of modern gothic fiction who enjoy slow-burning dread.
You can get a copy of Strega by Johanne Lykke Holm, Translated by Saskia Vogel on Amazon or Bookshop.
What do you think of these 2022 translated books by women writers?
Reading translated books is like opening windows into new worlds—each one offering a different view, a new way of seeing. The 2022 translated books by women on this list aren’t just stories; they’re invitations to connect with voices across borders. If you’ve read any of these, or if you’re adding them to your TBR, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Which translated books from 2022 captured your heart?
