The “Good Morning” program hosted Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce, author of the novel "The Boy Who Saw in the Dark" (video)

Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce said that the reactions and questions from Armenian children made it clear that young readers deeply connected with the book. She explained that the story was inspired by her husband’s family, several members of whom have visual impairments.

“The book has already been translated into nine languages and is included in school reading lists. I feel that I succeeded in conveying what I wanted to say. The district where the story takes place, where many blind people once lived, has now become an art neighborhood visited by many people. I believe the book also contributed to that transformation.”

The author also noted that the stage adaptation of the novel became highly successful. Since she is primarily a playwright, theater remains her main field of work.

“I mostly work in theater. We are also planning a screen adaptation of the book, and I am currently working on a new novel as well.”

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Speaking about Armenia, Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce shared her warm impressions of the country and Armenian readers.

“I learned so much about Armenia during yesterday’s festival. Before coming here, I read Armenian authors and explored Armenian literature. Yesterday, I also mentioned that although I have Latvian and Lithuanian roots, a DNA test showed that I am around sixty percent Armenian. I have not fully researched my family tree yet, but many members of our family have darker features and prominent noses.”

Translator Naira Khachatryan explained that she has been collaborating with Newmag Publishing House for five years, helping select important contemporary Latvian literary works for Armenian readers.

“The head of the publishing house, Artak Aleksanyan, selected The Boy Who Sees in the Dark from the list of titles I had suggested. Later, we decided to invite the author to Armenia as well. Naturally, authors are always happy when their books are read in different countries, especially books that raise important social issues.

We often think people are very different from one another, but in reality, human experiences and problems are often universal. The only real translation challenge came near the end of the novel, when the protagonist becomes a more rebellious teenager and uses a vulgar expression. Together with the editor, we found the right solution for the Armenian edition.”

The publishing house has also prepared a rich cultural program for the Latvian guest. During her stay in Armenia, Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce will meet with schoolchildren, visit museums, and tour the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.