James Trapp
Professional translator of contemporary Chinese literature and former Chinese studies student, known here as the translator of Property of the People (Zhou Meisen) and for translating other modern Chinese novels and scholarly works.
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Apr 3, 2026 • 42min
Zhou Meisen, "Property of the People" (Sinoist, 2025)
James Trapp, a professional translator of contemporary Chinese literature, discusses translating Zhou Meisen’s Property of the People. He traces the novel’s sprawling cast and intricate plotting. He talks about rendering Chinese political titles, cultural allusions, and finding the right English voice. He also describes editorial collaboration and unexpected twists he encountered while working on the book.
