Thank you for volunteering to lead the discussion of "The Tin Drum." Would you like to create the chapter threads or do you want to handle the discussion in a different way? Let me know what I can do to help.

I'm curious how many people plan to participate in this discussion too. Can we get a head count?

Well, the only thing I can find in our library are text versions - being lazy, of late, I want an audio version, but there isn't one.

So I'll put that on the back burner right now. See how I feel at the end of the month.

But I wanted to say that looking at the pictures of this author, doesn't he remind you of that actor - the one that plays opposite Tony Randall in The Odd Couple - whatzisname? Can't think of it right now.

Got it - Walter Matthau.

I have my copy on my ereader. I am looking forward to the discussion and plan to begin reading on Wednesday. btw- Jack Lemmon played opposite Walter Matthau in the movie adaptation. In the series, it was Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. Yes, I am that kind of geek.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to it.

There are two translations of “The Tin Drum” that I am considering. Translation is very important as every one knows. The two translations that I have been looking at are: the original translation by Ralph Manheim, and the newest translation that came out last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Tin Drum”, by Breon Mitchell.

This is the link for the Mitchell version.

http://www.amazon.com/Tin-Drum-Gunter-G ... 0151014167

This is the link for the Manheim version.

http://www.amazon.com/Tin-Drum-Gunter-G ... 067972575X

Are there any thoughts about the different translations?

Great question.

I don't know. I'm up for either one.

The Manheim translation is the standard but it seems like the newer Mitchell translation shouldn't be at all bad. It's received some pretty good reviews.

Maybe the newer version... It's more expensive but it may be worth it.

Thanks for your feedback Pres. I'm so happy you will be joining in the discussion!

I've been thinking long and hard about this. The Manheim translation is the standard classic. This is the version of "The Tin Drum" that has received acclaim over the last 50 years.

The translation we will be reading will be the Manheim version. It is the most widely available, the most read, the most discussed.

Raising my hand, I'll be joining the discussion. Just bought the book today.

yep, just finishing my non-fiction book, then I'll be getting and discussing this book!

wildcitywomen...I'm sort of the same, except, its more than just lazyness, I have a lot of subscriptions with various different audio book providers, so if and when i locate a copy, I'll let you no!

That's perfect....I just happen to have The Tin Drum in my library...and the Manheim translation. Can't wait to get started. Count me in!

Count me in

I'm in as well. Just got my copy. Can't wait to jump in!

I will be joining. I used all three votes for it!

What translation do you have Theo?

As I mentioned I was torn between using the original, standard Manheim translation and the newer Mitchell translation which was published a year ago. I have both versions, and when looking through them both, there is one obvious difference, that being, the chapter titles. The chapter titles used in this discussion will be from the Manheim edition.

I choose the Manheim version after careful consideration, and I feel it necessary to clarify why I choose it over the newer translation. While reading reviews of the newer translation something jumped out at me. Mitchell includes omissions, and enhances some of the sentences. This struck me because although translation can make a huge difference in the enjoyment of a foreign novel, editing is also critical. Mitchell has included passages that were originally edited out, and lengthened sentences; this may or may not be an enhancement to the original version. There are just not enough reviews on the Mitchell translation to persuade me to believe it is a better version.

I’m looking forward to the discussion, the chapter threads will be posted next week.

I will be joining you. Luckily, I bought the version that you suggested Suzanne.

I'm in. :]