Lina Kostenko and Her Poetry Collection 'Vitryla'
Ukrainian writer Lina Kostenko recently received and autographed a copy of her own poetry collection 'Vitryla', which was first published almost seven decades ago. The meeting was arranged by Ivan Malkovych, founder of the publishing house A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha, who visited the poet at her home alongside the publisher’s PR manager, Volodymyr Yakovlev. Yakovlev had acquired the collector’s edition of the book and requested the author’s signature.
Reflections on Her Early Work
During the encounter, Kostenko shared her thoughts on the book. She remarked:
'Good heavens, the yellowed paper. My God, how strange — what a publication. I have one copy somewhere, but I have so many books and manuscripts that I wanted to pull it out and see what was inside, but I never got around to it. Good Lord, it’s such a comedy. And I had forgotten these poems.' Lina Kostenko
She also reflected on 'the greatness of the working person' and 'the depth of beautiful human love', emphasizing that this book remains a meaningful part of her creative journey.
Notably, Kostenko has also published another poetry collection titled 'Viter z Marsa' (Wind from Mars), and the launch event for that work took place at her home. This recent meeting further highlights the writer’s enduring and productive career, as she continues to inspire new generations of readers with her literary works.
Events like this underscore the significance of literary heritage and the lasting bond between authors and their audience. As one of Ukraine’s most celebrated poets, Lina Kostenko remains a symbol of creativity and inspiration in Ukrainian culture. Her willingness to revisit and share memories of her early writings reflects not only the importance of literature but also her personal connection to her past and artistic path.