I was always interested in French poetry sort of as a sideline to my own work, I was translating contemporary French poets. That kind of spilled out into translation as a way to earn money, pay for food and put bread on the table.
Meaning of the quote
Paul Auster, an American author, was very interested in French poetry. But it wasn't his main focus. Instead, he would translate the work of other French poets to earn money and pay for his living expenses. This work of translation became a way for him to make a living, even though it wasn't his primary passion.
About Paul Auster
Paul Auster was a renowned American writer who authored numerous acclaimed works, including the iconic ‘The New York Trilogy’ and the Pulitzer Prize-nominated ‘4 3 2 1’. His books have been translated into over 40 languages, cementing his status as a global literary icon.
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