Olia Hercules
In Shaftesbury there are two specialist bookshops. The owners promote authors with special events and this year we were asked by Sarah at the Kitchen Table if SRG would like to get involved when Olia Hercules a well- known Ukrainian cookery writer came to promote her new book – a biography of her family’s life.
Our response was to suggest that some Ukrainians should sing folk songs before the actual event started. Olia agreed as long as she was allowed to join in! Five singers came together and entranced us with their singing both before and after the question and answer evening.
Olia told of several generations in her family and described their lives in Ukraine long before the invasion in 2022. It’s a world so far from our knowledge and the audience was attentively taking in every word. The Assembly Room at the Grosvenor was full, there were copies of Olia’s book Strong Roots to be signed and to buy and after the conversations more singing. This ended with a very moving patriotic song which brought tears to many eyes. ' when we thanked our local Ukrainian guests for contributing, one of them wrote: 'Thank you so so much. We were honoured to take part - it was very emotional and unforgettable experience for all of us.'
We were delighted that the Ukrainians who we have come to know contributed in such a special way and Olia wrote of SRG Thank you for everything that you do for Ukrainians. The world needs more people like you. Love Olia.
She finished by reading the last paragraph of her book, telling us all When I finished this book I shared it with Mum and she shared Liusia’s (Olia’s grandmother) wise words about how to nurture rose bushes.
She said, “Olia, always look at the roots. If the roots are strong, it doesn’t matter if the wind blows off the pretty petals. If the roots are strong, it doesn’t matter if a storm breaks the fragile stem. It will all grow back again.”
What a privilege to be asked to take part in this special evening with strong women who are living their lives as fully as possible.
