Best Translated Books of 2025 You Need to Read Right Now

With so many incredible books being released in English every year, it’s easy to forget that some of the best stories in the world are being written in other languages. And if we’re being honest, that means we’re probably missing out on a lot of great books.

That’s exactly why I wanted to put together this list of the best translated books of 2025.

One of the best things about being a reader right now is how accessible international literature has become. There was a time when translated works took years, sometimes decades, to reach a wider audience. And in many cases, books wouldn’t even get translated unless they had already achieved massive success in their home country.

That approach always felt a little limiting.

There are so many stories that might not dominate their local markets but could resonate deeply with readers elsewhere. Different cultures, different perspectives, different storytelling styles, those are the kinds of things that make translated literature so valuable.

And now, we’re finally getting more of that.

Publishers are starting to recognize the demand for global voices, and as a result, we’re seeing translations released faster than ever. That means we don’t have to wait years to discover what readers in other parts of the world are already talking about.

This list is a mix of established names and newer voices, all of whom are bringing something unique to the table. Some of these authors have already won major awards, while others are just starting to gain international attention.

Either way, these are books worth checking out.

The Best Translated Books of 2025

• We Do Not Part by Han Kang, translated by e yaewon and Paige Aniyah Morris
• On the Calculation of Volume I and II by Solvej Balle, translated by Barbara J Haveland
• The Director by Daniel Kehlmann, translated by Ross Benjamin
• Money to Burn/ The Devil Book by Asta Olivia Nordenhof, translated by Caroline Waight
• Sololand by Hassan Blasim, translated by Jonathan Wright 

Even though this is a shorter list, each of these books brings something different. From literary fiction to philosophical explorations to dark, war-driven narratives, there’s a wide range of stories here.

Let’s take a closer look.

We Do Not Part by Han Kang

If the name Han Kang sounds familiar, there’s a good reason for that.

After winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, Kang has become one of the most talked-about authors in the world. And whenever an author reaches that level of recognition, expectations for their next book are naturally going to be high.

We Do Not Part seems ready to meet those expectations.

While details about the novel have been kept somewhat limited, early reactions suggest that this could be one of her strongest works yet. Kang has always had a distinct writing style, one that blends emotional depth with a quiet intensity—and it looks like she continues that approach here.

What makes her work stand out is how personal it feels. Even when dealing with larger themes, there’s always a sense of intimacy in her storytelling. You’re not just reading about events, you’re experiencing them through the characters.

Given her track record, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this book end up on multiple award lists by the end of the year.

On the Calculation of Volume I and II by Solvej Balle

If you’re a fan of time loop stories, this is one you’ll want to keep an eye on.

On the Calculation of Volume I and II follows a protagonist who is stuck reliving the same day over and over again. It’s a concept that we’ve seen before, but what sets this apart is how it leans into philosophical questions rather than just focusing on the mechanics of the loop.

Instead of treating the repetition as a puzzle to solve, the story explores what it actually means to experience time in this way. How would it affect your sense of self? Your decisions? Your relationships?

What’s also interesting is that this is just the beginning. These first two volumes are part of a larger seven-book series, which means there’s a lot more to come.

It’s an ambitious project, and based on early impressions, it’s one that’s worth diving into from the start.

The Director by Daniel Kehlmann

This is one of those books where the premise alone is enough to grab your attention.

The Director is set in the 1930s and centers around filmmaker G.W. Pabst. He returns to Europe to take care of his sick mother, but when war breaks out in Austria, he finds himself unable to leave.

From there, things get complicated.

Pabst still wants to make films, but now he has to navigate the realities of working under Nazi oversight. That tension, between art and control, creativity and survival, is what drives the story.

Kehlmann has a reputation for blending historical detail with compelling narratives, and this seems like another strong example of that. It’s the kind of book that not only tells a story but also raises questions about the role of artists during times of conflict.

And honestly, based on that premise alone, this is one I’m already planning to read.

Money to Burn / The Devil Book by Asta Olivia Nordenhof

This is easily one of the more unconventional books on the list.

Money to Burn / The Devil Book takes us back to the 1990s and revolves around a tragic event tied to a possible insurance scam that resulted in the deaths of 159 people.

Instead of following a single narrative, the book presents multiple perspectives. You get glimpses into the lives of different passengers, each with their own story. At first, these stories feel separate, but as you keep reading, you start to see connections forming.

It’s a structure that requires a bit more attention from the reader, but it also makes the experience more engaging. You’re not just absorbing the story, you’re actively piecing it together.

This is the kind of book that sticks with you, not just because of what happens, but because of how it’s told.

Sololand by Hassan Blasim

Sololand might be the most intense book on this list.

Set in post-war Iraq, it’s made up of three novellas that combine dark humor with deeply unsettling subject matter. Blasim doesn’t shy away from the realities of war, and that’s what makes these stories so impactful.

One of the novellas involves Islamic State fighters requesting Viagra, which sounds absurd at first but quickly turns into something much darker. Another features a library where books are stained with blood from violence happening just one floor above.

These aren’t easy stories to read but they’re not meant to be.

What Blasim does well is balance the heaviness with moments of dark humor. It doesn’t make the subject matter any less serious, but it does make the stories feel more human.

This is one of those books that challenges you as a reader, and those are often the ones that leave the biggest impact.

Why Translated Books Matter More Than Ever

One thing that stands out when looking at this list is just how different each book feels.

And that’s really the point of reading translated literature.

When you read books from different parts of the world, you’re not just experiencing new stories,, you’re seeing how people think, how they live, and how they view the world around them. There are cultural details, social dynamics, and perspectives that you might not come across otherwise.

It adds depth to your reading experience.

What I appreciate most about translated works is that they feel authentic in a way that’s hard to replicate. These are stories shaped by real environments, real histories, and real experiences.

And thanks to translators, we get to access all of that.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the best translated books of 2025, and I have to say, this is a list I’m genuinely excited about.

Each of these books offers something different, whether it’s a unique narrative structure, a compelling historical setting, or a perspective that you don’t often see in mainstream fiction.

I’ve been trying to read more translated works lately, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made as a reader. It opens up a whole new side of literature that you might not even realize you’re missing.

All of these are going straight onto my reading list, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of them end up winning major awards later this year.

So if you’re looking to branch out and try something new, this is a great place to start.

Because sometimes, the best stories aren’t the ones right in front of us, they’re the ones waiting to be discovered from somewhere else. Until next time, happy reading!

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