Lariosyk comes home

ZHYTOMYR — An unusual statue has appeared in one of Zhytomyr’s public gardens. Cast in bronze, it portrays Lariosyk, the hero of Bulgakov’s play The Days of the Turbins, based on his novel The White Guard.

There is nothing coincidental about the location of this statue because in his novel Bulgakov’s writes that Lariosyk, an “eternal student,” is a “cousin from Zhytomyr.” Local Bulgakov devotees were inspired to arrange for the homecoming of his literary hero.

The statue was funded by a donation from the director of a Zhytomyr-based company. The bronze figure of Lariosyk was created by Kyiv sculptor Yulian Ostashev, whose works have long embellished Kyiv public gardens. This is his first sculpture in Zhytomyr.

“Let the boys and girls of Zhytomyr study well, so that they don’t become eternal students,” the architect said during the unveiling ceremony.

The bronze statue immediately drew the residents’ attention. According to a local legend, your wish will come true after you shake hands with Lariosyk.