Translating Emotions: Bringing “ About Cats and the Sea” to Russian Readers

Recently, Popcorn Books released the Russian edition of the Taiwanese manhua “ About Cats and the Sea” , translated by Ekaterina Naumova , a graduate of HSE University – St. Petersburg. We asked Ekaterina to share her experience working on this translation — the choices she made, the challenges she faced, and the emotions she carried with her throughout the process.

E. Naumova and the cover of About Cats and the Sea. Popcorn Books, 2025.

Photos courtesy of E. Naumova’s personal archive.

— What drew you to this particular story?

 I’ve never been someone who seeks out intentionally sorrowful narratives, but this one felt different from the very first pages. Its sadness is gentle, not theatrical; it invites the reader into a space where grief coexists with hope. What touched me most is the honesty with which the author depicts vulnerability — the way a person’s inner world can fracture, and how small acts of creativity and moments of companionship help to mend it. And that quiet sincerity made me want to be its voice in another language.

— How would you describe the place of manhua within the broader world of comics?

 Manga has long been the global ambassador of Asian comics, its influence immense and undeniable. But manhua — especially from Taiwan and Hong Kong — lives in its own, more delicate register. “About Cats and the Sea” embodies this beautifully: it’s modest in form yet rich in mood. Translating it felt like introducing Russian readers to a part of Asian comic culture they rarely encounter — softer, quieter, but no less powerful.

— Was the translation process demanding in unexpected ways?

 Very much so. Manhua communicates not only through dialogue but through silence, gesture, shading — and the text must support that atmosphere without overwhelming it. I had to listen closely to the rhythm of each scene, to understand when a phrase should hang in the air and when it should flow quickly. Even playful details, like the Chinese “meow” (喵), required reflection. In translation, every breath matters — even those made by cartoon cats.

— Did your studies at HSE influence your approach?

 Absolutely. My years at HSE taught me not only the language, but the ability to hear the voice behind the words. Classes in literary translation showed me how to work with tone, subtext, and cultural nuance; practical editing assignments taught me to shape a text without betraying its spirit. This foundation allowed me to approach the manhua with confidence — to trust my ear, my instinct, and the emotional logic of the story.

— What does this publication mean to you personally?

 It feels like a quiet affirmation — that academic knowledge can blossom into creative work, and that translation can be an act of empathy as much as craft. Bringing “About Cats and the Sea” to Russian readers allowed me to build a small bridge between two cultures, one that might encourage curiosity, recognition, or simply a moment of reflection. For me, it’s a reminder that stories travel far when someone helps them find the right words.