Saffron Cross Goes Global: The Polish Edition!

Friends! Upper Room Books and I have exciting news …

We’ve just received confirmation that a  publisher in Poland has purchased the international rights to Saffron Cross in order for it to be translated into Polish!

This is a BIG day in the Trent-Eaker household, as our little interfaith story, which was born and bred in North Carolina, now has the chance to reach global readers.

Grzegorz Grabiec, of Wydawnictwo Manendra Publishers in  Poland, read Saffron Cross one year ago and liked it so much that he thought it would be a “bestseller in Poland.”

I reached out to Grzegorz to offer my thanks and to hear more about his hopes for the Polish edition:

Dana: How did you discover Saffron Cross?

Grzegorz: I searched the Internet about news on spiritual topics and I found some news about the publicity of this book.

Dana: What made you want to translate it into Polish?

Grzegorz: I practice spirituality in same line as your husband. I was naturally attracted to your book. After some consultation, I decided make a Polish version.

Dana: What is the name of the publisher/organization that will be translating and publishing it?

Grzegorz: It will be published under a publishing house called Wydawnictwo Manendra. This is start-up; we have now a few titles. I am cooperating with a few professional translators, and they have a experience with these kind of books about spirituality and religious topics.

Dana: When/where/how will it be available in Polish? How will readers be able to purchase it? (e.g., book store, links to website, etc.)

Grzegorz: First we need to finish the translating work. Afterward, we will proof read and editing, which takes some 6-9 months. The Polish language is not so easy to translate to because is not as precise as English. Usually 100 English pages takes 120-150 Polish ones. Some people say that Polish is the most difficult language on earth. 🙂 The book should be ready in fall 2015/winter 2016, and will be for sale in bookstores and via internet.

Dana: What do you hope Polish readers will gain from reading Saffron Cross in their own language?

Grzegorz:  Poland is mainly mono-religious, as 90% of Polish people are Catholic. Other beliefs or mystical traditions are seen here as “strange” or “dangerous.” I would like to show Polish people that inter-religious marriages are possible and a part of our modern time, especially when people travel more and more and they can meet somebody and fall in love during this travel. I think this is a very good book–and many people like to read “romance,” and this is certainly one of them, but maybe not so typical. 🙂

Dana: Lastly, how do you say/write Saffron Cross in Polish?

 The Polish translation of Saffron Cross will be: “Szafranowy krzyż – jak chrześcijańska duchowna poślubiła hinduskiego mnicha.”

I cannot tell you how honored I am that Grzegorz and his colleagues have chosen to translate Saffron Cross for their Polish readers. Writers want nothing more than to connect with readers, and it thrills me that our interfaith story will be in global hands! May our story be a point of connection and encouragement–just as Fred and I have been inspired by the many interfaith couples who’ve been doing this for decades.

Thanks, friends, for celebrating this news with us!