Translations

I can’t decide if I like the way German authors write, or if I like the way German-English translators write.

The two pieces that I’ve read by German authors have had the most exquisite word choice and cadence. Reading it is easy and almost graceful. The imagery is precise and often beautiful.

Is this because German authors are just really good?

Or is it because I’m reading something that was translated by a person whose job is to know precisely the right word at all times?

I guess it depends on how much “work” the translator does on a piece. But it’s something I’d like to know.

Also, the pieces I’m referring to are Perfume and How I Spent the War. The Former is better than the latter, in my mind.