"Neither day nor night" new book of poetry by Ivica Čelikovic

A significant literary milestone has been achieved with the Russian translation of Oliver Korzeviroska's novel *Three Marias*. This marks the first time one of her works will be accessible to Russian readers, expanding the reach of Macedonian literature beyond its traditional borders. The translation is part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering cultural exchange between Macedonia and Russia through literature. So far, several other novels have also been translated into Russian as part of this collaborative effort, including *Hrapeshko* by Hermis Lafazanovski, *Water Pyramid (The Path of Thorns)* by Luana Starova, *Twenty-First* by Tomislav Osmanli, *Alphabet for the Disobedient* by Venko Andonovski, *Majdun* by Vlada Urosevic, *Phantom Step* by Blaze Minovski, and *The Papakot of Light* by Venko Andonovski. These translations highlight a growing trend of cross-border literary collaboration between the two countries.

Among these, *The Papakot of Light* holds special significance. In 2023, both author Venko Andonovski and translator Olga Pankina were awarded the prestigious international literary prize *Jasnaya Polyana* in the category of foreign literature. This was the first time in the history of the award that a writer from a Slavic country—specifically Macedonia—was honored in this category. The recognition underscores the increasing visibility of Macedonian literature on the global stage and the importance of translation in bridging cultural divides.

The novel *Three Marias*, like all seven previous books, has been published in hardcover format. Its cover features a fragment from the painting *Bosch* by the Macedonian artist and writer Slavko Janevski. A brief preface written specifically for Russian readers by the author herself highlights the creative intent behind the work. She explains that the central idea of the novel is to awaken the characters from Slavko Janevski’s 1956 story *Two Marias* into *Three Marias* in 2025. While the novels differ in content, she emphasizes that they should be read as if one continues where the other left off—a poetic concept of continuity and inheritance. The author expresses a desire to connect with both Slavic classics such as Slavko Janevski and non-Slavic writers like Leo Tolstoy, whose novella *Father Sergius* she had not previously known about. Her vision is one of unity through literature, considering it a shared home and planet for all writers.

In addition to the translation of *Three Marias*, another notable literary release is the new poetry collection *Ni Den ni Noct* ("Neither Day nor Night") by Ivica Chelikovski. According to the publisher, this poetic work delves deeply into the space between fear, memory, and human hope. Unlike many poems that seek to provide answers, this collection illuminates the unrest that remains within a person when words fall silent. Employing strong metaphorical language and evocative imagery, Chelikovski creates a poetic world where time, loss, forgetfulness, and hope constantly collide. His poetry is described as simultaneously intimate and universal, filled with images that linger long after the book is closed.

Chelikovski is a prolific writer with over twenty poetry collections and novels to his name. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the *Mlada Struga*, *Zlatno Pero*, *Stojan Hristov*, *Stale Popov*, and *Karamanov 2023* prizes. His contributions extend beyond writing—he has also translated dozens of Swedish literary works into Macedonian. As a member of the Macedonian Writers' Association and the Union of Swedish Writers, he plays a vital role in promoting cross-cultural literary exchanges.

Meanwhile, Suzana V. Spasovska has released her eighth poetry collection titled *The First Night and the Second Heaven*. The title suggests themes of duality and transformation, which are likely explored throughout the collection. While specific details about the content remain limited, the publication of this new work adds to the vibrant literary scene in Macedonia, where poets and novelists continue to push boundaries and explore complex emotional landscapes.

These recent literary developments reflect a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape in Macedonia, where authors are increasingly reaching out to international audiences while maintaining deep roots in their national heritage. Whether through translation projects or new publications, the literary community is actively engaging with both local and global narratives, ensuring that Macedonian voices continue to resonate beyond their borders.