Misinterpretation
By Ledia Xhoga

Compelling, startling, original . . . A gorgeous debut that conveys what it is to live in the quicksand between worlds and languages.' Priscilla Morris*Aand Service95and June Must-Read*___________________It is essential in our line of work to keep our clients' best interests in mind, as they are in a vulnerable position.In New York City, an Albanian interpreter cannot help but become entangled in her clients' struggles, despite her husband's cautions. When she reluctantly agrees to work with Alfred, a Kosovar torture survivor, during his therapy sessions, his nightmares stir up her own buried memories; while an impulsive attempt to help a Kurdish poet leads to a risky encounter and a reckless plan.As ill-fated decisions stack up, jeopardising the nameless narrator's marriage and mental health, she takes a spontaneous trip to reunite with her mother in Albania, where her life in the United States is put into stark relief. When she returns to face the consequences of her actions, she must question what is real and what is not.Ruminative and propulsive,and Misinterpretationand interrogates the darker legacies of family and country, and the boundary between compassion and self-preservation.___________________ Hauntingly realistic . . . strange, obsessive.'and Elisa Shua Dusapin A nuanced exploration of communication failures, blurred boundaries and the emotional cost of unchecked altruism.'and Observer A heart-stopping, emotional thriller . . . violence hovers in this book's borders. I loved it.'and Rita Bullwinkel An absolutely gorgeous novel, taut as a thriller, lovely as a watercolour . . . I devoured this book.'and Jennifer Croft A superb chronicler of post-national existence . . . deft and insightful.'and Idra Novey