In brief
Ander Louis, an IT worker from Melbourne, has created a 'bogan' version of Leo Tolstoy's 'War & Peace' that translates high society into colloquial Australian slang. Initially a humorous project begun in 2018, it has gained traction and interest, leading to a potential book deal. Louis aims to make the epic tale more accessible and relatable through irreverent language that resonates with modern audiences.
Just then, Prince Andrei rocked up to Anna's joint. He was the pregnant sheila's hubby. Like his missus, he was pretty good looking himself.These lines set the tone for a unique translation of Leo Tolstoy's epic novel, 'War & Peace', reimagined in a distinctly Australian voice by Ander Louis, a Melbourne-based IT worker.Louis, who pens under a pseudonym, translates the high-society drama of early 19th century Russia into a style reminiscent of the popular Australian sitcom 'Kath & Kim', complete with local slang and irreverent humor. What began as a personal joke in 2018, transforming Russian characters into regional slang, has now evolved into a budding book deal.It's how you'd tell it down the pub, Louis remarked, reflecting on his creative process. The 39-year-old initially started his translation out of sheer enjoyment, hoping to make others laugh.The term 'bogan,' which traditionally describes an unsophisticated person in Australia, takes on a new context in Louis's adaptation. He explains, I've never really thought of it as an insult, more a term of endearment, indicating his affectionate pride in the slang.His translation begins with the phrase bloody hell, and introduces humorous turns of phrase such as describing nobles as 'sheilas' and significant character deaths with the colorful expression he's cactus.Louis's accidental immersion in Tolstoy's world commenced during an online reading challenge, ultimately sparking his dedication to creating this bogan version which offers a humorous and accessible take on the challenging classic. His work gained sudden popularity earlier this year after a New York-based tech writer shared excerpts, leading to a surge in interest.As the 'bogan' language conveys rich narratives across diverse social spectra, Louis believes it effectively bridges the gap between contemporary Australia and the world of Russian aristocrats, making his version a universal draw.Reflecting on the nature of bogan slang in character dialogues—filled with Australian vernacular like 'g'day' and 'mates'—Louis humorously concludes, I've leaned over the fence… and just pinched the crown jewel - their most revered book - and taken it down the pub. He even speculates that Tolstoy himself would likely appreciate the playful retelling.
