Introducing 'Ukrlit: Audiobooks'
A new podcast series called 'Ukrlit: Audiobooks' has gone live in Ukraine, bringing Ukrainian literary works to listeners through performances by stage and screen actors. The project's inaugural audiobook is Oksana Zabuzhko's novel 'The Museum of Abandoned Secrets,' narrated by actress Halyna Stefanova. The first episode was released on August 23 on the Suspilne Kultura YouTube channel and can now be found on major audio platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and Megogo Audio. Audiobook podcasts are becoming an increasingly common way for audiences to engage with literature in today's media landscape.
Behind the Project: Mission and Team
Producer Svitlana Svyrydko says the goal is to ensure Ukrainian literature functions not only as cultural inheritance but as a vibrant, living force. Zabuzhko's novel traces three generations of one family, weaving together personal and national memory. The book won the Angelus Central European Literary Award in 2013, and in 2019 Switzerland's Tages-Anzeiger named it one of the 20 best novels of the 21st century.
The team behind the debut episode consisted of:
- Producer: Svitlana Svyrydko
- Editor: Kateryna Avramenko
- Recording director: Maryna Hol'tseva
- Editing director: Svitlana Sirenko
'It is essential that both the reader and the listener are engaged! What will happen next? What will become of the characters? How will the plot unfold? Where will the narrative lead, and what palette does the author use? The key word is "interesting"!' - Halyna Stefanova
She also added: "Zabuzhko's writing wraps you in its force, and you feel stronger, in safe and good company. We all need that right now."
The 'Ukrlit: Audiobooks' podcast gives listeners a chance to immerse themselves in Ukrainian literature through talented vocal performances.
The launch underscores how vital it is to keep Ukrainian literature visible in today's cultural conversation. The audio format makes books easier to reach, which could encourage more people to explore Ukrainian authors and their works. It also reflects a wider trend of using new media to sustain and evolve cultural heritage, something that resonates strongly amid contemporary pressures.
As the landscape of Ukrainian literature continues to evolve, innovative initiatives like the launch of book sales on Ukrainian trains highlight the resilience of the literary community. This development not only addresses the loss of millions of books due to conflict but also underscores the importance of making literature accessible in diverse formats, enriching the cultural tapestry of the nation.