In 20 years, creation has reached total freedom, Vladimir Besleaga

[Info-Prim Neo report from the Series “Moldova-20! Whereto?”] “In 20 years since the Independence, Moldovan creation has reached total freedom. People have breathed freely and the atmosphere relaxed”, writer Vladimir Besleaga told Info-Prim Neo, speaking about the evolution of literature since 1991 until today. “Books have been published, magazines have appeared. A new generation came with talented children and youth, who have studied in various cities from different countries”, he said. According to the writer, today there are young people aged 18-19 who write exceptional books on poignant topics, which couldn’t have been published 20 years ago. He thinks that some of the young writers are worthy of European and even worldwide acclaim, but they aren’t well-known yet. “They write well because they have been educated in culturally elevated environment. I’ve been at a circle at Writers’ Union, where a 20 year old read some extraordinary verses. He is a student at the Academy of Economic Studies, but writes poetry. How could this happen back in those times? Then, you had to study journalism or philology in order to write, but today anyone gifted can write regardless of their fields of study”, said Vladimir Besleaga. He added that anyone now had the right to writing, because this was a form of existence. The artist thinks that there is much low quality literature being published, but the same happens in each country. In the end, only value survives, he said. “Things weren’t like this in Soviet times. There were limits, publishing was difficult and needed state’s approval”, declared Besleaga. He regrets today’s lack of readers, despite the amount and variety of literature. Vladimir Besleaga was born on July 25, 1931, in Malaiesti, Grigoriopol. He collaborated with the publications Chiparus, Cultura Moldovei, Tinerimea Moldovei, was deputy editor-in-chief at the Nistru magazine. He was secretary of the Writers’ Union, director of the Dimitrie Cantemir Republican Museum of Literature, member of the Writers’ Union steering committee. He debuted with the book “Zbantuila”. Besleaga is best known for his novel “Broken Fly”, one of the best works in the post-war period that changed the whole world of Moldovan prose. Other titles include: “Home”, “Pain”, “Blood on the snow”, “Harsh times”, “Ignat and Ana”, etc. Vladimir Besleaga was a member of the first Parliament of Moldova.