Symbol of truth and humanity: writer Vasil Bykaŭ’s centenary

June 19, Pozirk. Writer Vasil Bykaŭ, who would have turned 100 today, remains “a symbol of truth and humanity” for Belarusians, opposition politician Alina Koŭšyk has said.

The writer questioned official narratives both during the Soviet era and after Alaksandar Łukašenka came to power, representing “the conscience of the Belarusian nation,” she noted.

“His works are about difficult human destinies, moral choices and the realities of war,” she said, noting that Bykaŭ’s wartime novels are perceived in a completely new way today.

“Bykaŭ’s works have been translated into 23 languages but we choose to read them in Belarusian. After all, Belarus’ independence and the preservation of the Belarusian language were of special importance to Bykaŭ,” Koŭšyk stressed.

A staunch opponent of Łukašenka, the writer was forced into exile for several years before returning to Belarus a month before he died in 2003.