editorial

Welcome to issue 77 of The Interpreter’s House.

I sat down this evening with the intention of coming cap in hand to you. Although The Interpreter’s House is inexpensive to run, it’s not free, and we’re fast approaching the time of year when I am billed for the website. So, there I was; all set to gently direct people to our donations page.

But as I sit here at the keyboard, the TV news is loud and insistent from the other side of the room. Blood-soaked railway station platforms. Bodies lying in bombed out streets. Grieving relatives. Dazed refugees. The war in Ukraine does not let up. And so, no. I can’t in good faith ask you for contributions towards this website right now.

If – and I appreciate it’s a big if in these straitened times – you do have a couple of quid spare, there are those in far greater and more urgent need of your help. So, if you enjoy Issue 77 of The Interpreter’s House, would you consider making a donation, however small, to one of the charities working to support the safety and health of the Ukrainian people? There are a number of non-profit organisations across the world doing necessary and important work in Ukraine. Two of the most prominent UK-based charities accepting online donations are:

The Red Cross  providing food, clothes, hygiene parcels and first aid training in Ukraine.

DEC (Disaster’s Emergency Committee) supporting refugees and displaced people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

I emphasise that this is only a suggestion, a gentle nudge. If you are not able to make a donation, please do not feel badly. Many of us are experiencing reduced incomes and higher outgoings at the moment. The Interpreter’s House is free to read and enjoy. It is our firm belief that money should never be a barrier to reading great poetry and fiction.   

This issue is packed with pieces that are by turns thought-provoking, entertaining, experimental and surprising. We’re delighted to publish work which is of such a high standard. If you’re anything like me, many of these pieces will get under your skin and, long after first reading, suddenly spring to mind as you’re going about your day.

With deepest thanks as always to Andrew, Annie, Lizzie and Louise for all their work at the House in spite of their other commitments. I can’t imagine a better or kinder editorial team. Thank you.

Georgi