By Lyudmila Ivanovskaya
The latest novel by famous writer and author of many popular books, the much awarded Natalia Golubeva, is set during the First World War, when armies passed through Belarusian lands, destroying cities and destinies, amidst sorrow and heroism. Few works are devoted this period, so the launch at Minsk’s Presentation store gathered not only editors and writers but historians and archive and museum workers.
Ms. Golubeva’s Kameya Salidat (Cameo Salidat) is a detective story based on extensive professional research, since Natalia is a candidate of historical sciences. While working in the archives, she read many unique documents which revealed aspects of the war previously unconsidered.
Of course, the dramatic events of the early 20th century are an intriguing background for the plot. We follow brave intelligence officers, noble nurses on the battlefield and the psychological weapons of the time. She calls her work a family saga, with romance as well as action and mystery. We move between modern day politics and the past, while the characters are portrayed with realism. Valery Nadtachaev, a book consultant, writer and military historian, is convinced that her characters are inspired from real life.
The novel — published by the Petrus Brovka Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House — is sure to prove popular while playing a role in encouraging feelings of patriotism among the younger generation, preserving our historic memory. Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of that long past war but we have no right to forget those who gave their lives for their homeland.
The Belarusian Encyclopaedia Publishing House’s Editor-in-Chef, Larisa Yazykovich, tells us that a follow up to the first novel is already underway. Meanwhile, another wonderful edition is on offer — a book about the famous Belarusian Vankovich family, on which Ms. Golubeva has also worked.
