Reinterpretation of history in the of Volodymyr Lys

Abstract

The article deals with the features of artistic reinterpretation of the little-known pages of the history of Volyn in the 20th century on the material of the novels «Jacob's Age», «Solo for Salome», «Country of Bitter Tenderness» by Volodymyr Lys. Through the fate of the characters of such novels as the «Jacob's Age», «Solo for Salome», the socio-political life of Ukraine from the 1920s until independence was conceived; the mood of the population in certain periods of history is outlined; ordinary Ukrainians in times of social change are depicted. The real pictures of epoch are reflected in the fate of characters of the novel «Country of Bitter Tenderness».

It is focused on the period of repression of the 1930s, as well as on the fate of children of the «enemies of the people» and the insurgent movement of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, modern events in the Independence Square. Outlining the major milestones in the history of the state and character of the novels Volodymyr Lys resorts to artistic fiction in depicting the private life of his characters’ private life, romanticizing love stories. The destruction of the canon concerning the voluntary acceptance of the Soviet authorities in Volyn by the peasants was pointed out. The artistic ways of the «revision of history» in the novels of the writer are traced. An alternative history of the era is revealed through the personal experience of characters. Emphasizing on the personal history of the characters of the works, the author points to the values ​​of Ukrainians: such as family traditions, work on earth. Historical accuracy is marked by dates, spatial coordinates, and historic personalities of the day. The non-chrestomathy depiction of reality allowed the author to point to the pluralistic nature of historical truth. The vitality of the reproduction of events, the fate of the inhabitants of Volyn in the novels is achieved through the synthesis of historical and artistic truth.