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When Alla Boyko – journalist, professor, doctor of philological sciences, previously a lecturer at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv – came to Switzerland as a refugee, she felt: this country is worth writing a book about. However, in the end, a slightly different story emerged – about pain, hope, and literature as a way to preserve the truth. The book has already spread around the world – from Australia to France, from Poland to Turkey, from Spain to the Czech Republic. And throughout Ukraine.
Through the eyes of a refugee, but not only about herself
At first, Alla imagined something light, observant, similar to a travel blog. But after the first texts, she realized: "I can't entertain. I can only write about people." About those who were nearby - from Mariupol, Crimea, Donetsk region. Women with tragedies that wounded not only the memory, but also the soul.
“I had the task of recording a series of interviews for one of the private foundations. I was even given a list of questions. But not a single conversation with the refugees fit the format. The women talked, called, clarified, returned to the topics again and again,” recalls Alla Boyko. “These stories were not just dramatic – they were tragedies that cannot be invented and understood. I stopped sleeping. And I realized: interviews are not enough. Only literature can break through the wall of indifference.” This is how 17 stories appeared that were included in the book. In fact, during the preparation, the journalist conducted 49 interviews.
Heroes who survived… in text only
Alla published several stories, already in the form of short stories, on her own Facebook page and unexpectedly received a flurry of emotions. Readers asked to change the ending: “Make sure the boy survives.” Although the boy actually died, Alla changed the ending of the story, and therefore the story of that family. . “They wrote to me: it’s hard for us as it is. Give us hope,” the author recalls. “In this, I saw a deep need for a modern person — to have light even in the darkness. Like in fairy tales, where good always triumphs over evil. My husband also helped me. After reading one of the stories, where after the death of his daughter, who was tortured by the Russians, the father went … to plant potatoes, the husband said: “Father cannot garden – his child was killed. Write that dad went to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” After some time, I learned that the prototype of my hero really went to the army.”
Stories that are read and reread
The presentation of the book “Life on Swiss Time” took place in Bern and Thun. Some of those present cried, but then thanked… for the hope. One woman later wrote: “I read the epilogue, started to sob, hid the book. And then I took it out and read it again.” The author dreams of a time when her heroines will meet…
A book that flies
"Life on Swiss Time" is already being read all over Switzerland, in Australia, Belgium, France, Poland, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Spain, and probably in Ukraine. In Turkey, the book was left in the library of the Sinan Pasha Cultural and Historical Center. The Czech Academy of Sciences also showed interest in it.
Alla Boyko says: “At every meeting with readers and in private conversations, I am asked if I have thought about translating the book “Life on Swiss Time” at least into German, French, and Italian – the state languages of the Federation of Cantons. I always answer: “I would be happy if my book was translated into different languages, but this requires considerable funding.” But the unexpected interest in translating… into Russian. “I didn’t plan this,” the writer adds. “But one woman said: “Let them at least read what they have done. Because there will be no other languages!”
The author does not hide: she would like the Swiss to read the book. Because it is not only about Ukrainians, but also about Switzerland: its cuisine, transport, everyday life, cheese, chocolate, watches, even wine. And so - she debunks myths! "Many people think that money is lying on the asphalt here. But it turned out - no. And not all Swiss are rich. And not all are indifferent. And they are also incredibly friendly, tactful. They help, but never emphasize it," the journalist adds.
Not just a refugee. And not just a journalist anymore
Professor. Journalist. Teacher. But a writer? “This is the hardest question,” admits Alla Boyko. The author is currently working on another book. In the meantime, the journalist has several plots in her head at once, which she will definitely write down, describe and publish. And then there are special orders from dear readers! Five-year-old granddaughter Sofia has already “ordered” a separate book about herself. And three-year-old Mariyka does not yet know what to write about her, but one of the future books will be about her! This is how new literature is born — from pain, experience, humor and love.
And to the readers - light
At the end, Alla Boyko addresses those who became the heroes of her book, women who went through hell but did not lose themselves: "I want to wish them patience and faith. Believe that everything will be fine, because not only in fairy tales should good triumph over evil. And in our literature. And in our lives."
You can order the book from the author:
+41798012421 or +380505502449 Viber WhatsApp
