Author Yuri Andrukhovych – “Discussing literature means that we live on” – Culture

Yuri Andrukhovych is considered one of the most important literary and intellectual voices in Ukraine. At this year’s BuchBasel literature festival, he read from his new novel to a full hall and took part in a panel discussion on “The Ukraine and Europe”.

How do people in Ukraine draw strength from literature? Conversation with an indefatigable.

Yuri Andrukhovych

writer


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Yuri Andrukhovych is a Ukrainian writer, poet, essayist and translator. He is considered one of the most important cultural and intellectual voices in his country at the beginning of the 21st century. Andrukhovych’s works are translated and published internationally. His latest novel «Radio Nacht» was published by Suhrkamp in September.

SRF: Yuri Andrukhovych, you were on a reading tour in Ukraine and reported that the halls were full. How is it to be explained that the people who are now concerned with the war have such a great interest in literature?

Yuri Andrukhovych: People have really missed literary life since February. Not only literature lovers were there, but also people who wanted a kind of normality. It was like a sign that life goes on.

And that we as a society remain unbroken if we allow ourselves to discuss literature, music and art, and to write and perceive new texts. That means: We are mature and strong. We live on.

If people in European countries understand us better, then the whole country will win – also in terms of the war.

On the podium at this year’s BuchBasel, it was said: In times of war, literature and discussions about history are particularly in demand. Would you agree?

Yes that is true. People want to understand what is happening better, many are looking for answers to the question: why us? Reading and talking about history can help.

You are currently taking part in many panel discussions and readings abroad. Are writers from Ukraine becoming a kind of ambassador for the country at the moment?

Ambassador is a big word, but yes: if people in European countries understand us better, then the whole country will win – also in terms of war. We need understanding and empathy and need to stay the center of attention. Authors from Ukraine are trying to contribute to exactly that.

How has the war affected your writing?

The situation makes my life quite contrasting, I learn a lot. When I read in Vienna or in Frankfurt and a week later talk to soldiers on the front line and spend the night in a completely blacked-out hotel, that shapes my personal experience.

In Kharkiv, for example, there were only three of us in a hotel, which was pretty spooky. Such experiences find expression in my texts.

Now I can write again and I will write.

Some writers from Ukraine say they cannot write at the moment. Isn’t that the case with you?

I started my new book before the Russian attack. After that there was a long break because of the shock. I was prepared, but when it actually happened, it still took me a while to really believe it. But now I can write and I will write.

Irene Grüter conducted the interview.

book reference


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Yuri Andrukhovych: «Radio Night». Suhrkamp Verlag, Berlin, 2022.

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