The book “Only in Lviv: The Life Stories of Mieczysław and Adam Sołtys” was not coincidentally published by Ossolineum Publishing House, which operated in that city until 1945. Maria Ewa Sołtys, who visited Bolesławiec on September 19, is the daughter of Adam and granddaughter of Mieczysław Sołtys—two distinguished composers from the Eastern Borderlands and great patriots. What is more, she still lives in the hometown of her ancestors.
The author was accompanied to Bolesławiec by Mieczysław Sołtys, the writer’s son, and Wojciech Szydłowski, president of the Legnica branch of the Society of Lviv and Southeastern Borderlands Enthusiasts. All three spoke about life in Lviv. They shared many anecdotes connected with the Eastern Borderlands and the postwar fate of many people from the region.
During Friday’s meeting, they discussed, among other things, the richness of Eastern Borderlands culture. “This land created talents,” said Maria Ewa Sołtys. In her opinion, two things above all determined why exceptional works were created in Poland’s eastern lands: the diversity of cultures and beautiful landscapes. They also addressed the issue of resurgent nationalism in Ukraine and the depolonization of Lviv. The writer’s son noted that more and more Ukrainians and Russians are attending Polish schools in Lviv. The problem is that they view these institutions as an opportunity to leave for the West.
Competition for Readers
Readers of the IstotneInformacje.pl service can win two copies of the book entitled “In the 20th Century in Europe, People Were Tortured for Their Roman Catholic Faith” (a collective work edited by Jan Młotkowski). The work, featuring very graphic illustrations, discusses the genocide committed in the Eastern Borderlands by Ukrainian nationalists. The prizes were funded by the Legnica branch of the Society of Lviv and Southeastern Borderlands Enthusiasts.
The books will go to the first two people who, using the contact form, answer the question: In what year was the Ossoliński National Institute established? The competition is open to Bolesławiec residents. Please note: when submitting your answer, include your telephone number.
(GA information)