Cécé, Aidan Rooney’s English translation of Emmelie Prophète’s novel Les Villages de Dieu, published by Éditions Mémoire d’encrier in Montreal, has just won the Massachusetts Book Award in the “translated literature” category. Awarded by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, this distinction honors major works written, illustrated or translated by residents of the state. The award will be officially presented on October 28 at the Massachusetts State House.

This recognition comes at a time when Cécé also appears on the list for the National Translation Award in Prose, one of the most demanding U.S. awards in the field of literary translation. Awarded by the American Literary Translators Association, it is the only U.S. translation prize whose jury evaluates both the original text and its translation. Being selected therefore means that Aidan Rooney’s work is recognized not only for its faithfulness, but also for its ability to convey in English the strength, rhythm and distinctiveness of Emmelie Prophète’s work.