It was one of those never-to-be
forgotten experiences.
As a writer who is also
a librarian I’m always interested, when in different countries, to visit their libraries.
Recently, on the Russian leg of the Edinburgh World Writers’ Conference with Melvin Burgess and Tibor Fischer,
I’d asked if it was possible to see around the Russian State Library in Moscow.
I expected a quick tour of various departments. Instead what Melvin and I were
treated to was a privileged glimpse of the archives and special collections.
Dwarfed by the massive
statue of Dostoyevsky we made our way with our British Council escort to meet
the librarian and archivist, our charming hosts for the afternoon. We were led
through a maze of corridors, across an open courtyard to a separate building where
they’d laid some exhibits out for us.
First up was a stunning bound illuminated
manuscript, with colours from natural dyes still vibrant after hundreds of
years.
Some manuscript leaves from
a writer of later date were next. There were pages of pre-typewriter elegant ink
script, with scoring out of text and corrections inserted. Empathy flowed from
us. But who could this be? Which famous Russian writer?
Leaning closer we could
distinguish the words ‘Brothers Karamazov’ Dostoyevsky’s own writing!
The archivist then
picked a green covered exercise book and laid it before us.
We literally gasped
when we realised it was a handwritten version of Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel, ‘The
Master and Margarita.’
It was an exceptional
day. We left, dizzy with delight.
Our trip took us
further east - four hours flight plus four hours time difference - to land in
the pale yellow and lilac light of a Siberian winter morning. Beautiful clear air
and a mesmerising twinkle from the ground’s frosty sheen. Mild snowfall, but it
wasn’t that cold, honestly, (and I’m
not just saying that because I’m a Scot) A myriad of things done and seen and
shared, and then, on our last night, something happens, one of number of things
which I’m starting to call a Siberian Serendipity moment.
We’re invited to a ‘Night
at the Museum’ – a very innovative idea here - when the public have free late night
access to the Krasnoyarsk Cultural and Historical Museum Complex. Wandering
through some amazing exhibits in one of the galleries we come across a painting.
Ahh! The artist has chosen to illustrate scenes from a book. I’ll leave you to
guess which one….
More info:
Twitter:
@theresabreslin1
Spy for the
Queen of Scots is nominated
for the Carnegie Medal and an Illustrated
Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales illustrated by Kate Leiper is nominated for
the Greenaway Medal.
An interactive session on Scottish
Folk and Fairy Tales with illustrator
Kate Leiper is scheduled for Tuesday 27th November, Rothes Hall,
Fife.
In conjunction with the Citizens Theatre and South Lanarkshire schools the
Divided City musical will be produced
at Hamilton Town House Theatre in February 2013.
5 comments:
Ace post! What a fantastic trip this must have been.
Thanks Adele. It was. Unique opportunity to speak to librarians, teachers, and, most importantly, young Russians. You'll be interested to know that there's a huge demand for YA fiction!
How wonderful!
Late to the party, but honestly, I'm just gobsmacked with jealousy. Fantastic post, and wonderful that they let you take photos. Thank you so much for sharing it.
They were so welcoming. Such a masterpiece with reach - spooky thrill...
Post a Comment