Christina MacSweeney has been awarded the 2025 Cercador Prize for her translation of Jazmina Barrera’s acclaimed work, The Queen of Swords, published by Two Lines Press. The announcement was made this week, marking the third year of the prize, which recognizes exceptional work in literary translation and is distinguished by its unique judging process.
The Cercador Prize stands out in the literary community for its dual purpose: while it provides a monetary reward for translators, it is also judged entirely by independent booksellers. This approach allows the annual jury to curate a shortlist based on their own reading experiences, making the prize inclusive of various genres, from fiction and memoir to poetry and hybrid prose.
In their evaluation, the jury praised MacSweeney’s translation, stating that
“The Queen of Swords, presented here in a lyrical translation by Christina MacSweeney, astounded the committee.”
They highlighted Barrera’s exploration of Elena Garro, a significant yet often overlooked figure in magical realism. The book is described as a rich tapestry of contradictions, portraying a life marked by both artistry and turmoil.
MacSweeney is recognized as one of the leading translators in contemporary literature. She has worked with notable authors including Elvira Navarro, Valeria Luiselli, and Karla Suárez. Her previous translations have garnered significant accolades, such as a shortlist position for the Queen Sofía Institute Translation Prize for Barrera’s Cross-Stitch, and Rabbit Island by Navarro being longlisted for a National Book Award.
Barrera, an accomplished author with six books to her name, sees The Queen of Swords as her fourth work translated by MacSweeney. Earlier translations include Linea Nigra, which was a finalist for multiple literary prizes, showcasing the strong partnership between the two.
The 2025 Cercador jury comprised respected figures from independent bookstores across the United States. Members included Javi Tapia of Third Place Books in Seattle, Dylan McGonigle of Wayfinder Bookshop in California, Beatriz Quiroz García from Skylight Books in Los Angeles, C. Rees of Alienated Majesty Books in Austin, and prize chair Emily Tarr from Thank You Books in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Cercador Prize not only celebrates the art of translation but also reinforces the vital role independent booksellers play in promoting literature. By recognizing works that might otherwise go unnoticed, it continues to foster a diverse literary landscape that values both creativity and cultural exchange.
