Sasha Kolbi Honored with KOBZAR Book Award for 'Memoirs of a Matryo...

What Happened

In a remarkable recognition of literary excellence, Sasha Kolbi has been awarded the esteemed KOBZAR Book Award for her powerful work, 'Memoirs of a Matryoshka: The Story of Ukrainian Forced Labor, Leica Camera Factory, and Resistance to Nazism'. The accolade was presented on March 26, 2026, at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, a fitting venue for a narrative steeped in the complexities of war and resilience.

The KOBZAR Book Award, presented biennially, celebrates the contributions of Ukrainian-Canadian authors who shed light on the Ukrainian experience in Canada. Winners receive a substantial prize of 25,000 Canadian dollars, while finalists are also acknowledged with awards of 1,500 dollars each.

Key Details

This system of honor illustrates the commitment to recognizing and preserving Ukrainian cultural heritage through literature. Kolbi's mesmerizing memoir delves into the life of her grandmother, Iryna Kylynich.

At just 19 years of age, Iryna was captured by Nazi forces and forced into labor at a Leica factory in Germany during the tumultuous years of World War II. The narrative expands beyond personal history, featuring figures like Elsa Kün-Leitz, the heir to the Leica empire, who heroically supported Iryna and ultimately faced imprisonment by the Gestapo for her courageous actions.

Why It Matters

Kolbi's recognition with the KOBZAR Book Award emphasizes the importance of contextualizing Ukrainian histories within the fabric of Canadian literature. By illuminating personal narratives intertwined with broader historical struggles, her work fosters understanding and respect for the resilience of Ukrainian communities, both past and present.

Background

This year's shortlist for the KOBZAR Book Award also included notable works like 'No Place Like Home: Enemy Aliens in Canada During the Great War' by Bohdan Kordan and the graphic novel 'Red Harvest' by Mykhailo Cherkas. The judging panel showcased a diverse range of literary expertise, comprising Kay Rollans, Nigaaan Sinclair, and Myrna Kostash.

The jury praised Kolbi’s work not only for its historical significance but also for its innovative storytelling. They underscored her skillful portrayal of traumatic events, infused with both tenderness and empathy.

This blend of emotional depth and historical context enhances the reader's engagement and understanding of the narrative. Sasha Kolbi's earlier work, 'Chronicles of the Matryoshka', published in 2023 by ECW Press, is available across Canada, the USA, and the UK, paving the way for her current acclaim.

The KOBZAR Book Award, established in 2003, continues to highlight exceptional contributions to the Ukrainian-Canadian literary community, fostering a greater appreciation for Ukrainian stories and their significance in the cultural fabric of Canada and beyond.