Carsten Norton, a Danish author and translator, took on an extraordinary challenge when he translated the late Virginia Giuffre’s memoir “Nobody’s Girl,” recounting her years of abuse under Jeffrey Epstein. With only a month to complete the work, Norton says the responsibility felt immense.
Translating a Survivor’s Story
When Carsten Norton received the encrypted file of Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s English-language manuscript, he faced strict security restrictions. He could not copy or print the text, leaving him with nothing but long nights and a screen. The translation of “Nobody’s Girl”, which was released in Danish this week, demanded intense focus and deep empathy.
The book tells the story of Giuffre’s experiences as a victim of Jeffrey Epstein, the American financier whose sexual abuse scandal involved powerful public figures, including Britain’s Prince Andrew. Giuffre became one of the first survivors to publicly expose Epstein’s crimes.
Norton, known for translating Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” and Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s “Patriot,” said this task was unlike any other. Translating Giuffre’s personal account required a balance between linguistic precision and compassion for a woman who was no longer alive to defend or clarify her story. Giuffre died by suicide in April, just months before the book’s release.
Choosing the Right Words
Giuffre’s story is raw and detailed, and the language is heavy with pain. For Norton, every word mattered. He often had to choose between literal translation and emotional truth. One of his linguistic challenges was the English word “predator.” In Danish, the direct translation “overgrebsmand” (abuser) felt too neutral. The alternative word “rovdyr,” meaning “beast of prey,” captured the same visceral imagery used in English, even though it is newer to Danish.
The word “trafficking” also raised questions. In Denmark, it typically refers to prostitution for payment, but Giuffre’s experiences under Epstein involved coercion and manipulation rather than money. Translating these nuances accurately was critical to conveying the depth of her suffering and the systemic exploitation she endured.
Because of that, Norton described the process as almost meditative. The isolation of working through her voice, night after night, made him feel as though he knew her personally. Translating trauma has its own weight, he explained, one that cannot be separated from the words themselves.
The Legacy of “Nobody’s Girl”
Giuffre’s memoir is not only a reflection on her personal trauma but also a record of the crimes and power structures that allowed abuse to continue unchecked. The book has already had global impact. Just days before its English release, Prince Andrew relinquished all royal titles amid renewed scrutiny over the allegations he continues to deny.
For Norton, the Danish edition was about ensuring that Giuffre’s story could reach readers who might otherwise not engage with such a painful history. Translating sensitive works like this, he said, feels like handling someone’s memory with care. It is both literary and moral work.
Surprisingly, Norton believes that even in translation, the book’s voice remains unmistakably Giuffre’s. Her words confront readers with the realities of manipulation, control, and survival. At the same time, it is a powerful reminder of how language can preserve human experience long after a person is gone.
The translator hopes Danish readers will not only learn about Giuffre’s suffering but also reflect on the systems of silence that protect abusers. “Nobody’s Girl” is more than an account of Epstein’s crimes. It is a story about reclaiming identity and truth through storytelling itself.
Support and Resources
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress in Denmark, you can contact Livslinien by phone at 70 201 201 daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., or via online chat most evenings and weekends. Their counselors offer free, confidential help.
Sources and References
DR: Dansk oversætter på Epstein-offers bog: ‘Jeg føler et meget, meget stort ansvar’
The Danish Dream: Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen): A Life of Love, Loss & Literature
The Danish Dream: Best English Courses in Denmark for Foreigners
