A book by the deceased writer Alexander Zakernichny was presented in Odessa
Date: 2023-12-10 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: CULTURE
Remembering a Wordsmith
The unveiling of "Notes of a Volunteer" in Odessa became a heartfelt tribute to the late author, Alexander Zakernichny. The event drew in numerous admirers of his work, alongside family and comrades. Anatoly Golovan from the Odessa Academic Ukrainian Theatre and poet Andriy Khayetsky read excerpts from the book, creating a poignant atmosphere.
The unveiling of "Notes of a Volunteer" in Odessa became a heartfelt tribute to the late author, Alexander Zakernichny. The event drew in numerous admirers of his work, alongside family and comrades. Anatoly Golovan from the Odessa Academic Ukrainian Theatre and poet Andriy Khayetsky read excerpts from the book, creating a poignant atmosphere.
Andriy Khayetsky shared, "Books like these, serving as the diaries of volunteers, are crucial. They help us capture every moment of that war imposed upon us by enemies. Documenting these events, as seen through the eyes of those who walked the path of war but are no longer with us, is invaluable."
The book, originally in Russian, the language of its author, sold out at the presentation. Plans are underway to translate it into Ukrainian, preserving the authenticity of Zakernichny's writing. Notably, the book carries an age advisory of 18+ due to its unfiltered language.
Preserving Authenticity
Svitlana, the sister of the deceased writer, explained, "At the outset of the conflict, Alexander, like many Odessa residents, spoke Russian. However, this didn't hinder his love for his country or his defense against the aggressor nation. We decided to publish the book in the language he wrote it in, aiming to maintain its essence and uniqueness."
The book comprises a series of short stories about life on the front lines, each self-contained, showcasing the diverse aspects of wartime experiences.
Emotional Resonance
Author Yulia Verba expressed, "His portrayal of war was unparalleled. It was ironic, brutally honest, making you feel the pain and darkness veiled behind the soldier's light-hearted jests. He conveyed the true reality: the incessant fatigue, the small peaceful moments turned luxury, and the constant haunting presence of death."
Military personnel who served alongside Alexander also attended the presentation, reminiscing about their shared experiences. One, known as "Inspector," recalled their camaraderie and the fear they concealed through humor.
Legacy of a Multifaceted Artist
Alexander Zakernichny, who met his end on the front lines in August 2023, was remembered by loved ones as a creative and incredibly energetic individual. He was an avid diver, skydiver, yacht enthusiast, and even ventured into blade forging with friends, apart from his writings and art. His first book, "Sonochka," was published in 2019.
