Edith Grossman is honored on the occasion of her 80th birthday. One of the most celebrated literary translators of our time, Grossman has been praised for her translations of work by Gabriel García Márquez, Carlos Fuentes, Antonio Muñoz Molina, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, and many others. Her acclaimed 2003 translation of Cervantes’ Don Quixote is already considered a classic.

This tribute was written by Ghassan Zeineddine. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University, and is the author of The Curse of the Al-Turks, which won the 2013 AWP Intro Journals Project Award.

It’s such an honor and privilege to say a few words about Edie, my dear friend and mentor. I took a course in Latin American literature at Columbia University with Edie in the fall of 2004. We’ve remained in close touch since then. What I appreciate so much about Edie is not only her remarkable work as a teacher and translator, but also her warmth and humor. There’s never been a time when I’ve met up with Edie for lunch or dinner and not laughed. Her charm and charisma and unmistakable smile have brought me much joy and solace.

You’re an amazing person, Edie, with a big, big heart. You’ve touched my life, and I’m forever grateful for our friendship.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a magical year ahead. Sending you much love.