Lina Vasylivna Kostenko is one of the most outstanding Ukrainian poets of our time

Lina Kostenko's autobiography

Source: https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Костенко_Ліна_Василівна#/

Lina Vasylivna Kostenko – one of the most prominent Ukrainian poets of modern times, was born on December 19, 1930, in the small town of Rzhyschev, Kyiv region. Her work spans poetry, prose, essays, as well as historical and cultural journalism. Lina Kostenko's life story is a testament to a person who uncompromisingly fought for truth, artistic expression, and dignity during times when freedom was under threat.

Early Years

Lina Kostenko grew up in an educated family. Her father, Vasyl Hryhorovych, was a teacher, and her mother, Zinaida Yehorivna, was a homemaker. The family fostered an atmosphere of respect for knowledge and culture. From a young age, Lina showed a remarkable interest in literature. Even in her school years, she began writing poetry, inspired by Ukrainian classics and world literature.

In 1936, the family moved to Kyiv, where Lina completed her secondary education. However, her childhood coincided with challenging times: the Holodomor of 1932-1933, repressions, and World War II. Despite these hardships, the future poet developed her talent, perceiving complex historical events as a challenge.

Education and Creative Path

In 1946, Lina Kostenko enrolled at the Kyiv Pedagogical Institute but later transferred to the Moscow Gorky Literary Institute. In the Soviet capital, she met many talented writers, including future representatives of the “Sixtiers” generation—a cohort of artists striving to rejuvenate Ukrainian culture.

Lina Kostenko's literary debut occurred in 1949 when her poems began appearing in magazines. In 1957, her first poetry collection, Rays of the Earth, was published. The book immediately attracted critical acclaim for its blend of profound lyricism and civic consciousness. Subsequent collections—Sails (1958) and Journeys of the Heart (1961)—cemented her reputation as a gifted and courageous poet.

The Sixtiers Movement and Conflict with Authority

In the 1960s, Lina Kostenko emerged as a leading figure among the “Sixtiers.” This generation of intellectuals sought to democratize society and revive Ukrainian culture and language. Kostenko actively opposed censorship, the totalitarian regime, and Russification, which brought her into conflict with Soviet authorities.

Her poetry, filled with patriotism and a yearning for freedom, was often banned. For example, her collection The Stellar Integral (1963) never saw publication due to censorship. Kostenko openly supported dissidents and signed protest letters against political repressions.

For a time, her works were no longer published, and the poet herself found herself in cultural isolation. However, this period did not silence her. In the 1970s, she began work on her most renowned verse novel, Marusia Churai.

Marusia Churai and Return to Literary Life

In 1979, the novel Marusia Churai was published, becoming a classic of Ukrainian literature. In this work, Lina Kostenko tells the tragic story of a legendary 17th-century folk singer. The novel explores themes of national identity, love, betrayal, and the struggle for dignity.

Marusia Churai won the Shevchenko Prize in 1987 and became a symbol of Ukrainian cultural revival. Another significant collection, Unrepeatability (1980), was also released during this time, reaffirming her status as a prominent poet.

Civic Position and Ukrainian Independence

After Ukraine gained independence, Lina Kostenko continued to actively express her civic views. She repeatedly refused political positions, awards, and public recognition, maintaining the independence of her opinions. The poet believes that art must remain above political expediency, and true creativity cannot compromise.

In 2010, her first prose novel, Notes of a Ukrainian Madman, was published. In this work, Lina Kostenko reflects on contemporary issues such as globalization, corruption, and the moral state of society. The book became a significant literary event.

Personal Life and Creativity

Lina Kostenko has always guarded her private life from public intrusion. It is known that she was married to scientist Vasyl Tsvirkunov, who supported her during challenging periods. They have two children: daughter Oksana Pachlovska, a renowned literary scholar and cultural critic, and son Vasyl.

Lina Kostenko's creative legacy continues to influence modern Ukrainian culture. Her poetry remains relevant, inspiring new generations of artists and readers.

Lina Kostenko Today

Despite her advanced age, Lina Kostenko remains active and principled. She rarely appears in public, but her voice carries immense weight. Her books are reprinted, and her verses are quoted in schools, universities, and protests. Her work is a call to fight for truth, dignity, and freedom.

Lina Kostenko is not only a poet but also a symbol of Ukraine's spiritual independence—a person who has always stayed true to her ideals. Her life story is a testament to the fight for the right to be oneself and speak the truth in the darkest times. She serves as an example for those who value freedom of expression, the power of art, and love for their homeland.

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