The Queen’s Translation Exchange and Czech and Slovak Studies at Oxford are delighted to host the award-winning author Nicol Hochholczerová, along with her translators Julia and Peter Sherwood, to celebrate the new English translation of her debut novel, This Room is Impossible to Eat (Parthian Books, 2025).
This Room is Impossible to Eat has been a controversial best-seller. Through the novella, in her minimalist, poetic style, Hochholczerová weaves a story of obsession and power and how both can lead to damage and separation. Rich with symbolism, the novel’s explosive themes – of eating disorders, abusive control and family dysfunction – are delicately handled with honesty and intelligence. Shortlisted for Slovakia’s most prestigious literary prize, the Anasoft Litera Award, and nominated for a number of further literary awards, the book is now being widely translated across Europe.
This event will feature bilingual readings from author and translators, followed by a conversation and Q&A on writing, translation and contemporary Slovak literature. The event will be followed by a free drinks reception.
