160 years since the birth of Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi: Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler on Ukrainian literary genius

by Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler, UWC Vice President, Oceania and Asia

The prominence of the Ukrainian writer Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi in Ukrainian and global literature is evident, as his work has been written about and studied even in Australia. Literary studies and tributes to Kotsiubynskyi have been frequently published in the New Horizon Almanac, issued by the Vasyl Symonenko Melbourne Literary and Arts Club. Moreover, Kotsiubynskyi’s work continues to be a subject of study in Ukrainian Saturday schools, and plays based on his stories “Kharytia” and “The Christmas Tree” are still performed in schools at various events.

The work that personally impressed me the most is Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi’s book “At a High Price.” The dramatic nature of the story captivates me, making me physically feel the characters’ emotional and spiritual suffering and turmoil. You can almost feel the sharp wind and snow on your face, sensations that mirror the characters’ internal struggles with nature.

In September 2023, the Malvy Literary Club Australia hosted literary readings of Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi’s works, perpetuating the tradition initiated by the Vasyl Symonenko Melbourne Literary and Arts Club.

Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi, distinguished by his profound psychological insight, attention to his characters’ inner experiences, and masterful use of symbolism, emerged as a central figure in Ukrainian modernism. His works, notably “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors,” have enthralled readers within Ukraine and globally. They strike a deep chord in the human soul and remain relevant today because of their universal humanitarian themes.

Global literature would be significantly diminished without the contributions of Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi. Despite lacking a university education, he was proficient in nine languages, an aesthete who savored the beauty of flowers and the pleasures of a fine meal, and an impressionist who masterfully captured both the every day and the exotic. His works represent a vital addition to the rich treasury of both Ukrainian and global literature.

Today, the Ukrainian diaspora is actively disseminating Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi’s legacy through literary evenings, translations of his works, and scholarly studies of his creativity. This effort significantly contributes to the global understanding of Ukrainian literature.

Kotsiubynskyi continues to be a unifying figure for Ukrainians worldwide, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and our cultural footprint globally.