In Lviv, at Sensoteka — Ukraine's first inclusive non-formal education space — a presentation of the audiobook and Braille edition of the novel 'Hort. Pershyi Kharakternyk' took place, marking the first book of the fantasy universe 'Chronicles of Power' (Khroniky Syly). The event was organized by the creators of the publication, Olha Navrotska and Alan Badoev, who personally introduced the accessible formats of the novel to the audience and journalists. Ukrainian film and voice actor Yevhen Lesnychiy, whose voice accompanies listeners of the audio version of the work, was also present at the presentation.
From Bestseller to Accessible Culture
According to Navrotska and Badoev, the idea to create inclusive versions of the novel arose after 'Hort. Pershyi Kharakternyk' became a bestseller and resonated not only with adult audiences but also with children. The authors emphasized that while creating the 'Chronicles of Power' universe amidst the realities of war, they realize that today an increasing number of people are completely or partially losing their sight, and cultural accessibility can no longer be an issue postponed for the future. This, according to them, became the starting point for working on alternative publication formats.
Inclusivity Without Compromise on Quality
The creators of the publication emphasized that their goal was not to release 'simplified' or auxiliary versions of the book, but to create a full-fledged cultural product. 'For us, it is fundamentally important that inclusivity does not mean a compromise on quality. We aimed to create not just an accessible format, but a full-fledged cultural product that allows everyone to experience the atmosphere and magic of our universe,' Navrotska and Badoev stated. Thus, the Braille edition and the audiobook are positioned as equivalent carriers of the literary work rather than auxiliary materials for a narrow group of readers.
The Voice of the Universe: Yevhen Lesnychiy in the Audiobook
Ukrainian film and voice actor Yevhen Lesnychiy was involved in creating the audio version of the novel. It is his voice that guides listeners through the world of the 'Chronicles of Power', conveying the atmosphere and intonations of the fantasy work. Involving a professional voice actor, according to the creators' intention, turns the audiobook into more than just a text recording; it becomes a full-fledged sound production close in emotional impact to a theatrical or cinematic experience.
Accessibility and Distribution
The audiobook 'Hort. Pershyi Kharakternyk' is already available to a wide audience: the first chapter can be listened to for free on Spotify, and the full version can be purchased on the official website of the 'Chronicles of Power' universe. Following the presentation in Lviv, copies of the Braille edition will be transferred to libraries and specialized institutions in various cities of Ukraine. This will allow people with visual impairments to access modern Ukrainian fantasy without needing to purchase the book themselves.
Significance of the Initiative for Ukrainian Literature
The initiative by Navrotska and Badoev goes beyond a single specific publication: it aims to expand access for people with visual impairments to modern Ukrainian literature and popularize the fantasy genre among a new audience. In conditions where war accelerates the growth of the visually impaired population, creating inclusive formats is not just a charitable gesture, but a practical necessity for the preservation and development of the literary process. The presentation at Sensoteka — the first space of its kind in the country — symbolically emphasizes that inclusive culture in Ukraine is moving from declarations to concrete products.
