Our book When the War Came, about the war in Ukraine, was illustrated by a Polish artist, Lucyna Talejko-Kwiatkowska. To bring the book to life, Lucyna spoke to Larysa, a Ukrainian refugee living in Poland. Larysa tells us about the war, her experiences and the book.
By Larysa Gromak
It has been 475 days since the tragedy hit our country, and it is still keeping the nation and the world in great distress. The enemy is committing new crimes in Ukraine on a daily basis. Women and children, who have managed to escape the atrocities, continue to live, learn, work and simply breathe, in Poland and other countries which have offered refuge since the start of the war.
As time passes on, one comes to realise that everything is relative. Each of us has a separate way of measuring happiness and terror. One often thinks that “it is impossible, it cannot be happening”... One seems to be incapable of surviving even more fire, fear, darkness and cold. But as the enemy creates more suffering, Ukrainians still keep fighting, working, rebuilding, and somehow, they have become used to such a life. This is how it goes in my home-town of Nikopol or in any other village, town and city in Ukraine. I see how people unite in their efforts to help each other in every possible way. Those who are staying abroad suffer as well, but from a distance, with dignity.
A great number of Ukrainians and Poles continue to volunteer in different fields of life. They are active, conscious and united in their response to the atrocities and mass killings of the Ukrainians. From the beginning of the war, Poles have shared their homes and possessions. They have offered housing, food, clothes and heartfelt support. This is a very precious quality. It strengthens us, makes as more human. And deep in our hearts, we hope that victory will arrive soon because good has to win over evil. This is the world we believe in and we are trying to build.
When I came to Poland at the beginning of the war, my daughter Anastasia asked me, whether I could share my experiences with a Polish artist who wanted to document it all in drawings. How do you tell your story of escape from your war-torn homeland? How do you share your emotions and put them into words coherently, for the other side to understand?
Since then, Lucyna and I have been meeting to discuss the changing perception of the war. We exchange our views on women who become ever so stronger in new environments. They work, they learn Polish, they raise children, they take on new jobs, they support each other and the elderly in need.
The artist has shown in a very subtle way the emotions, the experiences of living in a foreign country as well as the changes happening in Ukrainians who stayed in Poland following the outbreak of the war. We have to learn Polish, work, teach children, cooperate with each other, grasp the new culture and, at the same time, look after our own traditions and support our soldiers. Our main duty is to support those who fight for our freedom, the wounded ones and those who stayed behind, those who experience all the daily difficulties of the ongoing war. While living through all the atrocities taking place in our country, we are also witnessing an incredible resilience in our women. It is ironic to observe that our society has united during such circumstances.
The creation of this book combines, in a unique way, the experiences of life, power and talent, as well as tragedy and art. I am proud to be a part of this project where I am able to share the current experiences of the Ukrainian nation. Thank you very much to all those who have shown as much support as possible. This will all lead to Ukraine regaining her freedom.