literature for Chechnya

Tell the world,
which is sacrificing Chechnya,
that for the world
Chechnya is burning.

"The world is revealed in Chechnya. We learn the truth about the Russians' attitude to the Chechens, the Russians' attitude to each other, and the Chechens' attitude to each other. What's more, the rest of the world reveals its true colours in its silence about the war."

Apti Bisultanov, Chechen poet


I have been reading The Oath - A Surgeon Under Fire, the autobiography of Chechen surgeon Khassan Baiev, and the incredible story of his medical work in Chechnya during the wars there. Professor Barry Rodrigue and the American Chechen Solidarity group have made connections in Grozny, Chechnya, through the university there, and are collecting warm clothing and blankets, but also the university is asking for books for the library. The poets there would like poetry in English, so I am trying to collect poetry to send over. If you would like to donate books, please drop them off at Gulf of maine or mail them to us (Gulf of Maine Books, 134 Maine Street, Brunswick, Me. 04011)
Please remember that we are also collecting poetry and books for children in Spanish, to send to our sister city library, in Trinidad, Cuba.