A Book of Selected Poems by Viktor Slinka Has Been Published
The 'Brukavanka' (Paving) poetry series has been supplemented with a collection of poems by Viktor Slinka titled 'Listavanne' (Correspondence). This is the poet's fourth book and his first selection of works, which summarizes the author's previous creative stage, writes bellit.info.
‘Listavanne’ (Correspondence) is not just selected poems. It is a book that allows us to see another underrated Belarusian poet of recent decades. A poet whose authority in literary circles significantly exceeds his renown among the general reader.
“...Viktor Slinka seems, perhaps, the most consistent adherent of the direction opened by Ales Razanau. This primarily concerns verset (free verse). But Slinka does not copy Razanau. He adopted the main thing — the understanding of free verse as a form of concentrated thought. Where Razanau strives for a philosophical formula, Slinka leaves more room for lyrical intonation and human feeling,” — states the book review.
I avoid people.
I avoid conversations, curious glances.
I avoid noisy parties.
I avoid loneliness.
I walk down the street, change direction, walk
together with people and separate from
people and suddenly stop.
It was raining — exactly the rain that
knocked on my window and to which I
did not open, — it was raining and
it left puddles.
I looked into the water.
Who is this?
I had avoided meeting him for so long…
Viktor Slinka (Slinko) was born on June 4, 1972, in the village of Koziki, Ivatsevichy district. He has been writing poetry since the age of fifteen. His works are published in Belarusian newspapers and magazines. He is a laureate of the 'Hliniany Vialies' (Clay Veles) literary prize of the Society of Free Writers for the book 'Shtolni Viasny' (Spring Adits), and the 'Dziesłou' (Verb) magazine prize and 'Zalaty Apóstraf' (Golden Apostrophe) for the best poetic publication of 2005.
Author of poetry books 'Apošni Snieh' (Last Snow) (1995), 'Shtolni Viasny' (Spring Adits) (2001), 'Arakhna' (Arachne) (2011), 'Listavanne' (Correspondence) (2026).
Previously, the publishing initiative 'Polatskaje Liada' (Polotsk Glade) released books by Yury Humenyuk, Siarhei Pataranski, and Yanka Lajkoŭ in the 'Brukavanka' book series.
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