Melissa

Melissa asked Cornelia Funke:

Hi Cornelia, I read the Inkheart trilogy in the English translation, but recently saw the German edition, and I wondered why the first poem was changed for the translation from Celan's to Silverstein's? Thank you!

Cornelia Funke I am so thrilled somebody finally asks that question! Thank you Melissa! The original poem was the Shel Silverstein. But I didn't like the existing German translation, not at all. When i tried myself though I realized that it is impossible to transfer the lightness of Shel's poem into German. A British friend had just given me a copy of Paul Celan poems, and when I read the one that opens the German edition I felt it is right, although it comes from such dark times. I also wanted German children to know about him, as Celan is not as famous in Germany as he should be!

More Answered Questions

Natalie

Natalie asked Cornelia Funke:

I don't actually have a question I just wanted to say during my transition from a teenager to a young adult I lost my love of books but then I found inkheart and It reignited my passion. The series is one of my all time favourites and I'm so happy to hear you are writing more about the wonderful world in which inkheart Is set. I look forward to reading it. ??

Trish

Trish asked Cornelia Funke:

Ich hab, wie von dir vorgeschlagen, versucht die Kurzgeschichte zu finden, in der die Verbindung zwischen der Tintenwelt und der Spiegelwelt angedeutet wird. War aber leider erfolglos. :( Gibt es noch eine andere Möglichkeit, sie zu finden? Außerdem, was zum Schmunzeln: das ist meine Fuchs/Celeste. (Ich bin ein großer Steiff-Fan.) :D

Caylin

Caylin asked Cornelia Funke:

Hi Cornelia, I was wondering if your second Mirrorworld novel, Fearless, had an illustrated version? I love my copy of Reckless with all of the artwork at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the Inkworld novels with pictures at the end of each chapter! If not, have you thought of doing so? I can imagine it is A LOT of work, and I am aware that you published Heartless (more work), but I was just curious. Thanks!

All answers from Cornelia Funke…

14,036 followers

To ask Cornelia Funke a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions