Ukrainian National Federation, Montreal.
Reaching out to local Montreal writers, avid readers, translators, enthusiasts of literature and anyone interested in Ukrainian literary developments in Ukraine or North America, the Montreal branch of Ukrainian National Federation (UNF) formed a Literary Circle organized by members Rostyslav Nemtsev and Andriy Hovorun. On December 17 the Literary Circle marked its first successful year having organized fourteen literary events throughout the year; many included connecting online speaking with current writers in Ukraine.
The evening’s special program celebrating the first anniversary of the UNF Literary Circle included the Montreal book launch for American-Ukrainian writer Irena Kowal, author of “Displaced”, a riveting true-life novel, based on family history and a background of World War II. Currently living in Boston, author Irena Kowal grew up in America after her parents fled the war and Soviet–occupied Ukraine. Excerpts of her English-language book were read with emotion by well-known actor and theatre director Hryhorij Hlady capturing the depth of Kowal’s style, and excerpts from the Ukrainian translation of the book called “Nezazemleni” read by event organizer Rostyslav Nemtsev. Author Irena Kowal captivated listeners as she spoke about her writing process, plays she wrote and produced successfully on stage in Kyiv, and answered many questions from the audience in either Ukrainian or English about her writing, work as a former journalist for BBC Ukraine, importance of literature. A book signing provided an opportunity to further speak with the author.
The evening also featured soprano Maryna Krejcar, as well as Rostyslav handing out special thank you certificates to individuals that helped make possible the Literary Circle’s success, which included the president of UNF-Montreal Dr. Artem Luhovy, members Orysia Koral, Eugene Struminsky, Hryhorij Hlady and others.
A reception organized by Tanya Nemtsev and her team of volunteers followed, allowing everyone to mingle and continue conversations with the special guest Irena Kowal and her husband Ihor. For more information on Irena Kowal and her writing, visit: irenakowal.com
In the fall of 2016, another significant book launch and book signing was held for French-language, Quebec writer Claire Bergeron who wrote “Les amants maudits de Spirit Lake” a gripping novel about the unjust internment of Ukrainians at Spirit Lake, Quebec. She was invited by the UNF Literary Circle to participate at the annual Montreal Ukrainian Festival’s UNF kiosk. Also participating was well-known publicist Anetta Antonenko invited from Ukraine, former owner and director of Calvaria Publishing House, dedicated in promoting modern Ukrainian literature in Ukraine and around the world.
Upcoming in March 2017 a book launch will be organized at UNF-Montreal hall by the McGill Ukrainian University Students’ Union (MUSA) and UNF Literary Circle for Dr. Bohdan Kordan and his recent book published on internment of Ukrainians in Canada. Spirit Lake Quebec had the second largest internment camp in Canada. Details to follow. For further information contact: Andriy Hovorun at [email protected].
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