A Ukrainian Marine Who Recited Harry Potter in Russian Captivity Received a Letter and Signed Book From J.K. Rowling

How Harry Potter Stories Became a Source of Strength in Captivity

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: Oleksandr Ivanov, a Ukrainian marine, spent 1,494 days in Russian captivity. During that time, he whispered all seven Harry Potter books to his fellow prisoners, turning the beloved series into a source of hope. After his release on July 31, he received a personal letter and an autographed book from British author J.K. Rowling - a gift that arrived on the shared birthday of Rowling and Harry Potter himself.

Ivanov joined the marine corps in 2015. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, he helped defend Mariupol as part of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade. His family last heard from him on April 12, 2022, after fighting at the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works. Captivity rules banned prisoners from communicating, but Ivanov's connection to Rowling's books helped him and his comrades hold onto hope.

How Rowling Found Out About Him

The Ukrainian NGO Ukraine WOW, co-founded by Yaroslava Hres and Yulia Solovei, reached out to J.K. Rowling after learning about Ivanov's story. "We read about Oleksandr and his love for the Harry Potter universe and immediately understood we couldn't stay on the sidelines," Hres and Solovei said. "We wanted the author of Harry Potter to learn how her stories helped a Ukrainian defender and his brothers-in-arms withstand Russian captivity."

Rowling wrote back: "I heard that you are a devoted Harry Potter fan and that these stories gave you support during Russian captivity. I am very glad to learn that you have been freed and are back home in Ukraine. I wish you a long and happy life from the bottom of my heart."

Ivanov, who signed his response as "Majorchyk Who Survived" - an echo of Harry Potter's own title, "The Boy Who Lived" - expressed his gratitude. "When I was in captivity, I couldn't even dream of one day receiving a letter from J.K. Rowling," he said. "Her books helped me and my fellow marines keep hope alive, and her words have become a great source of support. I am overjoyed and endlessly grateful. Sincerely yours, Majorchyk Who Survived."

This story shows how literature can serve as a pillar of strength and comfort in the most difficult times. It also underscores the importance of cultural ties, showing that stories can unite people across borders and give them courage to endure even the harshest realities.