A neighbour’s memoir reveals the hidden life of Belarusian literary icon Korotkevich
A new book offers a rare glimpse into the private life of beloved Belarusian writer Vladimir Korotkevich. Our Neighbour Korotkevich, written by artist and neighbour Adam Globus, draws from years of personal notes and firsthand observations. The memoir reveals the quirks, struggles, and unspoken stories of the man behind the famous novels.
Globus lived near Korotkevich for years and kept detailed records of their interactions. He even had keys to the writer’s apartment, where he would water plants and flip through magazines while Korotkevich was away. The book captures small but telling details, like Korotkevich’s habit of shouting into the phone, 'Just let me die in peace!'—a phrase that echoed through the stairwell.
Some of the most painful moments, however, were left out. Globus chose not to include accounts of Korotkevich’s deep grief after his wife, Valentina Bronislavovna, passed away. Instead, the memoir focuses on the writer’s daily routines, such as his unusual coffee ritual—adding two split black peppercorns to the brew. The book also explores Korotkevich’s creative choices. Fans often wondered why he never wrote a sequel to The Sword of the Reaper. Globus explains that Korotkevich refused to kill off the hero, believing readers preferred their favourite characters to remain immortal, much like Sherlock Holmes or Harry Potter. Beyond his work, the writer had a tight circle, counting photographer Valentin Zhdanovich and artist Pyotr Drachev among his closest friends. Family played a complicated role in his life. Korotkevich’s sister, Natalya Semyonovna, worked at the military enlistment office and once attempted to draft him for Chernobyl cleanup efforts. Globus, however, aimed to show Korotkevich as he truly was—not an idealised figure, but a man with flaws, humour, and quiet resilience.
Globus’s memoir avoids turning Korotkevich into a 'plaster saint,' instead presenting him through personal anecdotes and unfiltered moments. The book fills gaps in the public’s understanding of a literary icon, from his quirky habits to his unwritten stories. While some questions—like the fate of The Crane’s Wings—remain unanswered, the portrait offers a clearer picture of the man behind the myths.
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