Lukashenka still expects Belarusan writers to create new “Virgin Soil Upturned” and “War and Peace”

The head of state got concerned with the absence of interesting books in Belarus.

Aliaksandr Lukashenka wants Belarusian writers to create ideas, characters and books that will be interesting for the people in the 21st century. He made this statement at a meeting with Belarusian intellectuals, writers and cultural professionals on October 23.

“I wonder why we have not seen the books like ‘War and Peace', ‘Virgin Soil Upturned' in the past 20-30 years. Does it mean the lack of talents? Or is this due to the objective life conditions when a book stops to be the main source of information?” BELTA quotes Lukashenka saying.

Changes in the readers' mind should not be explained by the technological revolution only, Lukashenka said. In his opinion, the dramatic pace of life developed a pragmatic attitude to literature. “Our contemporary readers choose books with fascinating themes and characters or books which are a remedy against boredom,” he noted.

“I would like to hear your ideas about how we can preserve and enhance the literature traditions today without disappointing a major part of readers. Is it possible for readers to find an interesting book and for writers to find their readers?” Lukashenka said.

Lukashenka had better draw attention to the results of the latest social survey, according to which Belarusan readers don’t know Belarusan language good enough to read books of Belarusan writers. The main reason for that is the policy of the President, who put Belarusan language at the periphery of social and state life.