Black Forest on a Rainy Day Cover Image

Чорний Ліс на чорний день
Black Forest on a Rainy Day

Author(s): Kateryna Mishchuk
Subject(s): Cultural history, Studies of Literature, Sociology, Recent History (1900 till today), Ukrainian Literature, Migration Studies
Published by: RUTA, z.s.
Keywords: Easter; war; escape; family; resilience; heritage;

Summary/Abstract: Reflecting on the memories of Easter trips to her grandparents, the author recounts the third Easter during the war, marked by the looming threat of a new Russian offensive. The narrative vividly describes the family’s escape from Kyiv, the fear of encountering tanks, and the journey to Rivne, where air raid sirens and the presence of refugees underscore the omnipresence of war. The story also delves into the family’s history, tracing their roots back to Poland and their forced relocation to Ukraine in 1945. The resilience of the family is highlighted through their adaptation to new environments and the preservation of their heritage. The author finds solace in the ancestral village of Chornyi Lis, a hidden sanctuary in the forest, symbolizing a plan for “a black day” amid the uncertainty of war.

  • Issue Year: 2024
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 49-51
  • Page Count: 3
  • Language: Ukrainian
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