Maria Kolesnikowa's 700-Book Prison Survival Through Literature
Maria Kolesnikowa, a flutist and icon of the Belarusian freedom movement, has survived five years in a Belarusian penal colony by reading over 700 books. Imprisoned in 2020 by the Lukashenko regime, she discusses the role of art and beauty in dark times. The article draws a parallel to Petra Morsbach's novel 'Orion', which explores what literature can achieve. Kolesnikowa credits books with saving her life, emphasizing their transformative power.
Key facts
- Maria Kolesnikowa is a flutist and icon of the Belarusian freedom movement.
- She was imprisoned in 2020 by the Lukashenko regime.
- She has spent five years in a Belarusian penal colony.
- She has read over 700 books while in prison.
- The article references Petra Morsbach's novel 'Orion'.
- Kolesnikowa states 'Bücher haben mich gerettet' (Books saved me).
- The interview discusses the importance of art and beauty in dark times.
Entities
Artists
- Maria Kolesnikowa
- Petra Morsbach
Locations
- Belarus