“Chernobyl Prayer is not only a literary, but also a historical and philosophical work. There have been no other works that better look into institutions, political systems and the ruling culture than this book. It is a sociological and psychological work as well. However, above all it is a literary work that won a Nobel Prize. Finishing reading the work, I deeply understand why Chernobyl Prayer could win a Nobel Prize. Each interview and each monologue in the book can be developed into a thesis on the fate of humankind. The book is really a ‘spiritual vaccine’ for us in this ever-changing, disastrous and uncertain society.”
Tran Hoai – Lecturer at the National Economic University
“I often think that pure and technical data cannot get nearer to the truth than an emotion, a rumor, or a vague image. Why do we have to repeat data? They conceal our emotions. The development of these emotions, the emotions that penetrate through data, is the thing that captures my attention. I have tried to find, collect and protect them.
Things that these people witnessed are still unknown to others. I find that it seems like I am noting down the future.”
Svetlana Alexievich |