Ilarion Pavluk discusses his bestselling novel, its themes, and his insights on evil in a recent interview following its release in Slovak translation.
The article features an interview with Ilarion Pavluk, a Ukrainian journalist and author whose novel 'I see that you are attracted to darkness' became the best-selling book in Ukraine in 2023 and has recently been published in Slovak translation. In his discussion, Pavluk delves into his lifelong quest to understand the essence of evil, inspired by his experiences amidst the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, which he actively combats since 2015. He also addresses the massive sales of his book, with 180,000 copies sold, highlighting how it balances the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
Pavluk further reflects on his transition from journalism to literary work, emphasizing the differences in credibility and creative processes involved. Unlike journalism, where information gathering and factual accuracy are paramount, literary creation allows for deeper exploration of themes and crafting of worlds that resonate with audiences on a more imaginative level. His reflections on his experiences at the front, particularly when he visited as a 42-year-old, underscore the profound impact such environments have had on his writing and understanding of humanity.
The interview ultimately captures Pavluk's concerns about the indifference among many Russians towards the ongoing conflict, which he perceives as a silent evil that he fears the most. His insights serve not only to promote his book but also to provoke thought about the broader implications of war, apathy, and the narrative power of literature in confronting truths about human nature and its capacity for both good and evil.
