Ulas Samchuk (a Ukrainian writer, a publicist, a journalist, and a member of the UPR government in exile) is a legend of Ukrainian emigration whose name was forever banned in the USSR but is widely known in the West.
Surprisingly, one of the most vivid works on the Holodomor was written by a person who did not see the events of that time in Ukraine with his own eyes. Eyewitnesses to the tragedy claim that the novel “Maria” is a documentary work, as the author so accurately conveyed the feelings of people watching the slow death of their loved ones.
Out of all 82 years, the writer lived in Ukraine for only 22 years, spending the rest of his time abroad, but he missed his homeland very much. Samchuk considered his native village to be the centre of the universe. It is well known that only a person who perceives his homeland as the centre of the whole world can become a truly outstanding creator.
A huge layer of Ulas Samchuk’s creative heritage still remains unexplored due to his frequent moves and life in different European countries. Experts argue that reading Samchuk’s works is essential for people trying to understand the deep essence of Ukrainianness.
