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Martha Adams

@marthasreading

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author of the most interesting book newsletter on the internet ⬇️

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Last month in one of the many blistering heatwaves of August, I spoke to @richardbvillage about his incomparable independent publishing house, @foundryeditions 💙🤍

We chatted about the economics of it all (such as finding funding and printing nightmares), why Richard thinks literary desks in traditional media only have 18 months left to live and the unique position Richard is in as a triple threat - founder, editor and translator! This conversation was so much fun and Richard was incredibly generous with his responses! Read the full piece over on marthasmonthly.substack.com or click the link in my bio!

If you’ve ever wanted to start talking on the internet about something you love (like books) you’ve got to just start because it can led you to having some of the most enjoyable and fascinating conversations with the coolest people in the industry!

I hope you all enjoy reading the conversation as much as I enjoyed being a part of it! And if you haven’t already, check out Foundry Editions and the epic catalogue they have to offer. by @marthasreading

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12 days ago

I loved getting to talk with Martha Adams about reading books in translation. @marthasreading is the reader behind one of my favorite Substacks, Martha’s Monthly, that focuses on books in translation. On today’s bonus episode, she talked about how she found her way to translated lit and shares her favorite titles and publishers. What better way to celebrate #womenintranslation month?
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What’s the last book you read in translation and how was it?
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The full episode is for Patreon and Substack subscribers only, but there’s a preview on the main podcast feed to get a taste. by @marthasreading

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2 months ago

my aim of the summer was to try and figure out how to use this space better for book chat and instead all I’ve done is read less and go harder for cut flowers than ever before.

here is my first attempt at an Ikebana! Tried to go with a colour scheme, the technical dimensions I’m supposed to be aiming for are probably all off but I’ll refine it with time!

stay tuned for my next attempt 🎏 bowl made by me, obvs by @marthasreading

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2 months ago

My ‘best books’ of 2025 stack.

Want to know my top 10, some statistical analysis, reflections on my 2025 goals and new goals for 2026?

You’re going to have to head to the newsletter - marthasmonthly.substack.com - link in bio ! Xx by @marthasreading

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9 months ago

A few months ago, before her translation of THE DUKE was nominated for the @thebookerprizes, I asked Antonella if she’d be interested in having a conversation with me, for the newsletter, about translation.

I am immensely interested in translation - as an art, industry and landscape - but tend to find that most ‘translator interviews’ are very technical. They are specifically about the book and the intricacies of translation. While this is (obviously) relevant, I find it a bit alienating.

There is a hunger and a curiosity, I think, to know about the landscape of translation in a much broader sense; its artistry, politics and culture - how the industry operates, and how it’s under threat.

After our (almost two hours long) chat, Antonella said that it had been one of the most stimulating interviews she’d had, because we spoke beyond the books. Which articulates that my suspicion is correct - both readers, and translators, want a refresh on the translator interview format.

This interview is a condensed version of our conversation where we discuss how Antonella came to translate THE DUKE, the threat of AI to the industry, translator visibility, the politics of ‘categorising’ translated literature, the cultural differences between Italy and the UK & why shame will never help encourage people to read more in translation.

Read at marthasmonthly.substack.com or find the link in my bio!

I hope you enjoy it - you’re in for a treat. If I do say so myself, this conversation was very interesting to be a part of!

Congratulations to both @antonella.translates and @foundryeditions for THE DUKE making the International Booked Prize Longlist - fingers crossed it makes the shortlist in a few weeks too! 💙🤍💙 by @marthasreading

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7 months ago

We’ve had a rebrand (courtesy of @nataliaalbinl at @ataraxiacreative) and we’re starting a book club!!!

Consider this my very public declaration that I am willing to be seen trying to make Martha’s Monthly into something.

Martha’s Monthly is a newsletter to help you read differently. Every month I review what I have read, so you know what to read next.

Every other month, I will be hosting a book club.

Our FIRST book is ‘The Wall’ by Marlen Haushofer. Our first meeting will be 8 weeks today, on the 4th February - on zoom. Because nothing is worse than having a book club where you don’t actually talk to people.

To join the book club, and read why hosting a book club is so monumental for me, head over to the newsletter.

🩷💙 by @marthasreading

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10 months ago

My interview with @ariel_saramandi about her debut collection ‘Portrait of an Island on Fire’ is now live on the newsletter! (marthasmonthly.substack.com - link in bio)

This collection is a horrifying, hopeful and thrilling read. I raced through it over the course of one weekend, my mouth continually agape at the historical, personal and political threads Saramandi weaves together in each essay.

Saramandi interrogates the lasting sociopolitical impact of colonialism and how they affect government policy, environmental issues, education, healthcare and inside the home. In critiquing racist, patriarchal abuses of power, Saramandi asks how her community can push for a better Mauritius, and a better world.

It is an eye opening and urgent collection.

Ariel is so brave and talented. I encourage all of you to read this interview (and then read the book immediately after)

Congratulations @ariel_saramandi and @fitzcarraldoeditions 💙 by @marthasreading

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a year ago

first cut flowers of the year !!! my ‘did you see these flowers I grew?!’ season begins 😎

this is sweet rocket btw. grown from seed, planted out last year which is why I’ve had such an early flower. 👩‍🌾 by @marthasreading

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5 months ago

Romanticising that first week of January in England when it was cold and beautiful (it’s currently wet, mild & miserable) by @marthasreading

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9 months ago

The summer I turned into an (amateur) cut flower gardener by @marthasreading

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a year ago