In September 2017, the publishing house “Astroliabiya” published the book “Emmaus Movement. The history of solidarity”, written by the writer Andriy Kurkov together with Natalia Sanotska and Maryana Sokha. The book was financed by “Emmaus Europe”. This is the first book in the Ukrainian language that tells story of Abbe Pierre and the Emmaus communities founded by him. It also tells the story of Oselya and its founder Olesya Sanotska. The book was presented in the framework of the Book Forum in Lviv. Presentation tour started in November and covered almost all major cities of Ukraine. It was organized by the network of bookstores “Ye”. Andriy Kurkov and companions of Oselya presented the book. It can be purchased in the bookstores “Ye”, at the charity stores “Emmaus-Oselya” and on the website of the “Astrolyabiya” publishing house.
Andriy Kurkov: “Meetings in Dnipro, Kharkiv, Sumy, Lviv and Ternopil showed that social issues are of increasing interest among readers and active citizens. In Ternopil, during a conversation about the movement “Emmaus” and “Oselya”, one man told how he himself almost became homeless. His friends saved him from the street back then, but the shock that he experienced could be heard in his voice. Similarly, in Lviv, in the bookstore “Ye”, three men stayed after the presentation of the book. They wanted to talk about solidarity, about how important it is to revive not only this word but its meaning to our everyday life, to make people believe again in solidarity and mutual assistance. Sometimes these are the only means of rescuing those who lost their way in life.
I was honestly impressed that the book “Emmaus Movement. The history of solidarity” has given such a strong impetus to new discussions, radio and television broadcasts on social responsibility and justice, about kindness and volunteering. The history of the Ukrainian “Emmaus” began in Vynnyky. This fact was also surprising and interested for the participants of the discussions in different cities. I think that in the future, the first Ukrainian Museum of Kindness and Solidarity will be founded in Vynnyky. And the museum will tell about the unique experience of the Oselya community and the bright and, unfortunately, such short life of Ukrainian Mother Teresa – Olesya Sanotska”.
Natalya Sanotska: “This book has not only literary value, although it is written by one of the most famous writers in Ukraine, Andrei Kurkov, famous for his literary skills, even outside of our country. This book has social, political, and most importantly spiritual significance. The history of the Emmaus movement and Emmaus-Oselya are a dynamic of good in time and space, these are unique examples of solidarity that is so necessary for our society, it is an indelible faith in man. I am very glad that the Ukrainian reader will discover an invaluable life experience in the values of Emmaus.
Maryana Sokha: “This book is about simple and yet deep things, about the acceptance of a person, mutual assistance and support. As Olesya Sanotska said, we need to follow principles of “Emmaus” not only when helping the homeless people, but when building our society. This book very well explains the needs of a person without a home and close people. It is about another type of charity that does not humiliate, does not diminish the needy, but helps the person to regain a sense of dignity. The story of Abbe Pierre, Emmaus, Oselya and Olesya Sanotska is worth knowing. It’s a pity that posthumously, but Olesya Sanotska’s dream came true – the book about Abe Pierre was published in Ukraine”.