Temporary Removal of Sven Nordqvist's Books by "White Raven" - An Unforeseen Consequence of Political Climate
Publishing company, White Crow, momentarily suspends distribution of four literature pieces penned by Sven Nurdquist.
In an unexpected turn of events, Swedish author Sven Nordqvist's popular children's books have temporarily vanished from the virtual shelves of publisher "White Raven." This unexpected move was announced via their Telegram channel, leaving readers puzzled.
Among the missing titles are "Fox Hunt," "Pettson Goes Camping," "Pettson is Sad," and "Cooking with Pettson and Findus." The catalyst behind this unusual situation? The inclusion of Alexandra Polivanova, the books' translator and human rights activist, in Russia's registry of foreign agents near the end of May.
According to "White Raven," the publisher is compelled to remove these cherished books from the market due to the law that considers the translator of a book as the author.
Alexandra Polivanova - A translation prodigy turned political figure
Alexandra Polivanova, a significant figure in the Russian literary landscape, is best known for her translations of Sven Nordqvist's beloved children's books. However, her political activities have earned her a controversial label. The Russian Ministry of Justice maintains a registry of foreign agents to target individuals or organizations that receive foreign funding and engage in political activities deemed oppositional or critical by the government.
Being labeled as a foreign agent can carry a negative connotation in Russia, potentially discouraging bookstores, libraries, and consumers from carrying or purchasing these books.
Legal and Financial Implications for the publishing House
Once labeled as a foreign agent, publishing houses like "White Raven" must contend with burdensome reporting requirements, disclaimers stating the foreign agent status on their publications, and potential increased audits and legal scrutiny.
To reintroduce the "Pettson and Findus" series, "White Raven" has to change the age rating of children's books to 18+, add foreign agent stickers to the covers, and adhere to other formal requirements.
The Future of "White Raven" and Sven Nordqvist's books in Russia
The labeled publications may face decreased availability and sales, limited circulation, operational difficulties, including funding restrictions, tightened publishing permits, and reduced partnership possibilities.
Despite the challenges, it's heartening to see that "White Raven" remains committed to reintroducing the books that ignited their journey back into the market. As readers or sellers interested in these books in Russia, it’s essential to stay informed about their availability and the ongoing implications of the political climate on these beloved children's titles.
- The legal implications for the publishing house "White Raven" extend beyond the removal of Sven Nordqvist's books, as they are now burdened with additional reporting requirements, disclaimers, increased audits, and potential legal scrutiny due to the foreign agent status of the translator, Alexandra Polivanova.
- In the realm of general-news and politics, the labeling of Alexandra Polivanova as a foreign agent has broader financial ramifications, potentially impacting the availability, sales, and operational efficiency of "White Raven" and other publishers who distribute Sven Nordqvist's books in Russia, due to decreased interest or restrictions from bookstores, libraries, and consumers.
