The TV presentation of “The Taste of Lead” by Maris Berzins (video)

This book of the writer caused a stir. As a result, modest and introverted Maris Berzins became a popular face of Latvian modern literature. The novel won the Baltic Assembly Prize in literature, the Dzintars Sodums Prize, and the “Best Prose” Prize of Latvia. It was published in the framework of the series “We, Latvia and the 20th Century” together with 12 other books.

According to literary critics, “The Taste of Lead” became the most popular book in Latvia. The novel was translated into Armenian by Naira Khachatryan. She has been familiar with the writer and his work since 2018. “This book impressed me greatly. I read it in one breath. There are some German expressions in the book, and I also discussed them with the writer. He worked in the archives for a long time and obtained information from the press and poster announcements”.

It was at that time Maris Berzins revealed the details of the Genocide of 1914 and reflected on it in the book. In one episode, the heroes in the Jewish ghetto also remember the Armenian Genocide. Latvians do not believe that the Genocide can be repeated, especially in Riga.

"The book ends in the Riga Ghetto, where the main character of the novel appears, and during one of the conversations, he hears that one of the biggest mass murders was the Armenian Genocide, and more than a million Armenians were killed by the Turks. This fact amazed Latvians because they were not aware of it. This shows that history repeats itself and we don't learn lessons".

Violent historical events and hot political struggles directly affect the destinies of the people. Matis, the main character is a young, ordinary craftsman from Riga, who tries to navigate his future, complicated relationships with women, and his life in general within the context of the Second World War, the Holocaust, and political upheavals. According to Anna Bakhshyan, the editor of the book, those intense emotions immediately affect people and their actions.

"Wars and political developments affect people's psychology. When they deal with death every day, everything becomes ordinary, they become dull, causing indifference. That’s what the author talks about in the book. The novel is about ontology, love, friendship, struggle, and escape. Such was the period as well”.

November 18, the day of the declaration of the first Republic of Latvia, appears constantly in the novel. Newmag will hold the book presentation at the Common Ground bookstore-café on that day. It will be possible to purchase the novel with a special discount only on November 18. After the presentation, lovers of Latvian literature and culture will celebrate Latvia's Independence Day together with national drinks and desserts. Entrance is free.