The German translations of six novels (Elias Portolu, L'edera, Canne al vento, Marianna Sirca, La madre, and Cosima) by the Italian Nobel Prize-winning author Grazia Deledda were subjected to a critical analysis in this study. Based on the results, a possible connection between the development of translation theory and the actual translation practice within the examined timeframe of over 90 years is also explored. By investigating reviews in newspapers and magazines, entries in encyclopedias, and literary histories, the reception of the author and her works in the German-speaking world was also included and contrasted with their reception by Italian critics.