Spotlights Freedom of Writing with Iryna Tsilyk’s Poignant Contribution

In a compelling literary venture, the digital anthology “Our Whispers and Screams” has been unveiled in Norway, featuring a powerful essay of the same title by Iryna Tsilyk, a distinguished Ukrainian writer, director, and poet. This anthology delves into the theme of “freedom of writing,” offering a profound exploration of the challenges faced by writers amid the complexities of conflict.

Tsilyk’s essay is a deeply personal reflection on her colleagues and the diverse tapestry of voices that shape her narrative. She pays tribute to those who, whether standing beside her or fighting tirelessly for Ukraine’s survival, find themselves constrained in their ability to express as they once did. The essay navigates the unspoken, the concealed due to security measures, and delves into the silence endured by her predecessors.

Expressing her frustration with the limitations of Ukrainian literature taught in school, Tsilyk unravels the layers of her text, exploring the synonyms for the word “longing” in Ukrainian. She discovers a world of writers who, despite facing dark times, embraced black humor, passion, and pain, and had the courage to write about crucial matters.

Spanning across decades, the essay illuminates Ukraine’s historical periods, paying homage to the voices that emerged in the 1920s, 30s, 1960s, and 80s. It seamlessly weaves through the present, depicting a friend feed resembling an obituary, offering a poignant glimpse into a generation devoured by the ravages of war.

Tsilyk’s essay also serves as a memorial, addressing the tragic loss of Victoria Amelina, murdered by Russians, and delving into the pages of Volodymyr Vakulenko’s diary. The anthology, through Tsilyk’s profound words, becomes a platform to honor those whose voices were silenced by conflict.

“Our Whispers and Screams” stands not only as a literary work but as a testament to the resilience of writers in the face of adversity. In a world where freedom of writing is often challenged, this anthology emerges as a poignant reflection on the enduring power of words to bear witness, resist, and give voice to the silenced.