Olinski, by Phillip Greenacre
FictionPosted by editor Sat, December 08, 2012 22:29:21Reaction to and reflection on Olinski, by Phillip Greenacre.
Phillip Greenacre is a (British) translator who has spent most of his adult life abroad, including in the United States, Barcelona, Poland and Tbilisi, Georgia.
Posted by Sophie Whitley Flavell Sun, February 24, 2013 14:51:21
I enjoyed this allegorical story mirroring the tensions between the Eastern and Western political world, both in the 1970's where it is set and present day. The anguish of the protagonist is clearly demonstrated as he shifts allegiance from Olinski "conquistador ... evangelist ... NATO" to Sabchuk "conquered ... the fallen ... Warsaw Pact". The author is clever in his use of symbolism and the point at which the narrator declares that "only Robert Sabchuk understood what it was like to die" is devasting. The feeling of hopelessness lingers long after reading this excellent story.
Posted by Sue Pace Sun, January 06, 2013 00:11:30
The adult world as seen through the eyes of the almost-child. And the seducation of "specialness" - don't we all crave that? And the shifting of alliances - hasn't that happened again and again? And, finally, the negative impact of the adults upon the world of their children. Such a well crafted story - so much can be found in this short story.