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‘A paean to hope and home, written with such gentleness and deep adherence to emotional truth that to me its words become a fierceness to cast against harm, hardship and hurt. I loved it and it will haunt me for a long time.’ Helen Macdonald, the author of H is for Hawk

‘[A] poignant, gently unfolding . . . elegant family narrative of myriad characters traumatized by the deep-seated Russia-Ukrainian struggle. . . Throughout this powerful text, readers will encounter numerous satisfying layers.’ Kirkus Review

‘The familiar village symbol of a rooster on the roof hides a dark secret in Victora Belim’s marvellously vivid and often heartbreaking account of a personal quest, one that leads us deep into the complexities that lie behind news headlines while introducing us to an unforgettable group of characters. I read it in a single enthralled sitting.’ Miranda Seymour, author of I Used to Live Here Once: The Haunted Life of Jean Rhys

‘Wild Swans for Ukraine … rich and magnificent.’ Bookseller

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I look forward to the Passa Porta Festival that takes place in Brussels from Thursday, March 23rd to Sunday, March 26th. On Sunday, I will join the Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko for a conversation with Peter Vermeersch, writer and professor of political science. If you are in Brussels, I hope to meet you there.

SUN 26.03.2023 16:30 – 17:30 Ukraine Writes Back: Oksana Zabuzhko and Victoria Belim

For tickets and other details, please visit the Passa Porta Festival website.

For my other book news, please take a look at The Rooster House book page.

Do you have 17,000 euros to spare? If so, Guerlain has released a limited edition bottle created in collaboration with Maison Matisse, a design house founded in 2019 by Henri Matisse’s heirs to produce objects inspired by the French painter’s art.  According to the Artnet Magazine, the bottle is inspired by La Musique, a work painted by the artist in 1939. It fuses the colors of the painting and the iconic shape of the Bee Bottle to celebrate its 170th anniversary. Painted by hand, it’s a stunning object, but clearly aimed at collectors. 

For me personally, the most compelling bottle collaboration from Guerlain remains their work with Arita Lab in Japan. Adorned with traditional Aritayaki motifs, it’s a beautiful pairing of Japanese craftsmanship and Guerlain’s style.

Via Artnet

The disaster in Türkiye and Syria feels close to me. My Turkish teacher is from one of the affected provinces and has lost many friends and family members. I have always enjoyed Gaziantep, and while I haven’t had a chance to visit Syria, it also has a deep significance for me as a place of rich history and culture. When I read the news of the earthquake, my heart is breaking. I keep asking myself what can I do to help?

I put together a few links to charities that are collecting funds. If you have other suggestions, please let me know in the comments.

Doctors Without Borders and Care are two excellent reputable organizations and they are collecting donations.

Turkish Philanthropy Funds works with the Türkiye Earthquake Relief Fund to allocate funds to survivors. They also provide long-term assistance to help residents recover and rebuild.

The White Helmets is an incredible organization with much experience working directly with local communities in Syria. Northwestern Syria has been heavily impacted by the earthquake, not to mention that the region has already been devastated by the war. Tragically, little aid has been reaching Syria, so donating to an organization that works directly on the ground is best.

The Syrian American Medical Society is based in the United States and is another group that delivers emergency aid in Syria.

This brings me to another organization, The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations. It focuses on helping Syrian refugees in Turkey as well as providing aid within Syria. Syria already suffered immense devastation during the war and the tragedy unfolding there now is beyond belief.

One of the reputable organizations that works with local communities in Turkey is AHBAP. It was founded by the Turkish singer Haluk Levent and is accepting cryptocurrency, in addition to the more traditional forms of payment. It’s doing a commendable job and is recommended by my Turkish friends as well as my Turkish readers.

Save the Children is focusing on helping children in the affected regions. It’s also currently collecting donations.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin: roses, the flowers I associate with both Turkey and Syria.