Vasyl Shkliar is a contemporary Ukrainian writer, often called “the father of the Ukrainian bestseller,” author of the novels Chornyi Voron (The Black Raven) and Zalyshenets, and laureate of the Shevchenko Prize. His works explore themes of historical memory and national identity. Shkliar masterfully combines real events with artistic imagination, making his prose a symbol of the revival of interest in Ukrainian literature.
✨ His novel Chornyi Voron (The Black Raven) caused a sensation, with queues in bookstores like for a scarce commodity. 📖 Shkliar boldly addresses taboo topics of Ukrainian history, particularly the Khodynar Republic. 🏞 He wrote parts of his novels in the mountains and countryside, saying the plot “breathes freer” there. 🎬 The Black Raven was adapted into a film in 2019, with Shkliar consulting the filmmakers. 💡 He believes literature should “speak in the people’s voice,” not just critics’. 📚 His works have been translated into English, Polish, and Bulgarian. 🔥 In 2011, he refused the Shevchenko Prize as a protest against the government – which boosted his popularity. 🖋 His style is often called “historical thriller.” 😅 Funny fact: at school, he wrote essays for classmates, earning “fees” in apples and pies. 🤔 Curious fact: at one book launch, more people came than to a local pop star’s concert.