Recently, an event happened in the cultural life of Zhytomyr, which we could not bypass. The romance-secret “Baistriuchka” was represented by the author – writer, poet and journalist Maria Khimich, who has been living in Canada for two years. This summer Maria returned home for a short while, in particular, to present her new work. And in her creative baggage – collections “Pivni-Ch”, “Bili shkarpetochky”, the status of double laureate of the famous competition “Smoloskyp”, participation in the literary-artistic association “Oksia”, and in the soul – love to his native Zhytomyr, In which he studied and began to write

“On the way home, we had three transplants – in Toronto, London and Fraction-on-Main. In London we saw Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Piccadilly Circus. An extraordinary, exciting journey ”
“Zhytomyr has changed a little. I see “point” changes, but they should be as much as possible for the development of the city, its tourist attractiveness and comfort for all Zhytomyr people ”
“The name of the novel “Baistriuchka” was from the beginning. I did not intend to change it. I know that this name was criticized quite acutely. This word is a taboo, do you understand? ”
“The cover of the book clearly reflects the name of the novel. The eyes of the girl depicted on the cover are sad. Hair closes her mouth, does not allow to say about their feelings, to tell the truth. And behind the girl is a city that is probably brutal. Therefore, she looks forward, perhaps in search of a better fit ”
The novel “Baistriuchka” has long been ripe. When I was in the tenth grade, I started writing this novel. But more than a few pages did not “go away.” Returned to this work during the decree. I think it was the most fruitful time for my artwork. Very quickly wrote a story, which then received the Oles Honchar Award (edited by the International Ukrainian-German Literary Prize named after Oles Honchar). I boldly mixed real events, imagination, mysticism, romance ”
“The work is based on real events, some family secrets. I do not admit you where the fiction is, and where is the truth “(Smiling)
“For me, creativity is an attempt to write down your pain, seal it in paper and let it go.” And for some time it succeeds. When the work is released, this pain can return to the boomerang and knock well. Not always the letter is an art therapy. It is important to work at one and the same time. But that’s the way. I step on it ”
“I am very interested in the history of immigrants in Canada. I wrote some verse libras that mention them ”
“A college girl works with me, her name is Randy. She is an assistant teacher and is currently driving a school bus for several schools. Randy shared with me his family history. One of her grandfathers was in the German death camp in Poland. He had a prisoner’s hand on his hand. He was doomed to death. However, fortunately, he was rescued by American soldiers. He was able to get to Canada. Randy remembers my grandfather very well. But when she tried to ask him about those times, Grandfather never spoke on this subject. Obviously, it was a story not for the children’s ears ”
“I started to read more in English. Every week in Canada I attended a English teacher. I had the norm: to read the short story in English (I read Somerset Maugham’s short stories), read the article by The Economist, listen to one lecture from the resource “TedTalks”, write an essay, and do exercises to improve the vocabulary. I am currently reading English and I enjoy it. Of course, there are still words and conversations that I do not understand, but there are always dictionaries at hand ”
“In fiction, for me, the great authority is Yurko Gudz. I consider him one of the most talented Ukrainian authors. And I hope that the world will open it again. It’s just shocking how ingenious it is! ”
“One of my favorite writers is also Milorad Peacock. There was a time when I fancied and read, probably, all his works. My friends knew about it and constantly gave his books »
“I am very glad that fiction is versatile. For some say: he writes modern, that is – classically, but it is necessary to write just this (versions are added). The literature should have a love affair, and a detective, intellectual prose and so on, that is, all genres and directions so that the reader feels satisfied. Fiction, as well as food, should be diverse ”
Translated by Aliona Matushevich