Meet-and-Greet with Lora Pidgirna at the Reading Club Session

On December 4, 2025, in the cozy atmosphere of the Reading Club of Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, a warm and exceptionally engaging meeting took place with writer, historian, and Doctor of Philosophy Lora Pidgirna, the author of the novel “Orient. Close to the Enemy.”

From the very first moments of the gathering, participants were immersed in the author’s world: Lora Pidgirna spoke about her creative journey from journalism to literature, her academic interests, and the personal motivations that inspired her to write the novel. Students and lecturers learned about her work with historical sources in the archives of foreign intelligence, which formed the foundation of the book, her search for plots and characters, and the way artistic stories are born—based on real events yet filled with the author’s emotion.

Those present shared their impressions of the novel and emphasized its artistic value. “Orient. Close to the Enemy” is a spy retro-detective novel that reflects on events shaping Ukrainian identity in the first quarter of the 20th century and their cause-and-effect connections with the early 21st century. It is a contemplation of cultural and historical memory and the interaction of different communities during complex historical periods.

Participants actively asked questions, discussed the novel’s themes, and shared their own impressions and reflections. The meeting took place in a relaxed atmosphere of creative dialogue and inspired everyone present to continue reading and engaging in further discussions.

The university community expresses its sincere gratitude to Lora Pidgirna for this emotional, warm, and inspiring meeting. We wish her continued creative and academic achievements, inspiration, and new discoveries.