THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
In 1987 on the Nevsky avenue I came to the editorial office of the Neva journal and asked to let me in to the Chief Editor. Long time I was not allowed. They persuaded me to let the manuscript go usual way: first to a fellow in the department, then the head of the department, then to the secretary of the office, and only if a controversial question will emerge, then to the reception by the Chief. However I insisted on my demand and have forced my way to the Chief’s room. To the Chief Boris Nikolaevich Nikolsky I said:
- It’s only a few years ago I have set free from the labour camp. No job is open for me. So, before you is a not long ago prisoner, outcast. Though I was accused with criminal case, but KGB stays behind it, therefore they give me no job. I have written an essay on my sojourn in prison – Justice and Two Crosses. Here it is. I want you to read it yourself since to print such an author without your permission in any case nobody will dare. Why I have to go through all the stages if all the same it’s you that have to decide.
- Seems ‘easonable, - the Chief burred in mellow bas voice. – Can you p’esent me documents on your case f’om which I could see what namely they impute and what are the arguments?
I handed him my sentence, my appeal and my characteristic (excellent) from the camp. - Well, - said Boris Nikolaevich. - I shall see. Come in two weeks. When I came in two weeks, Boris Nikolaevich said very hard: - We shall print it at any price, even if I have to address for that to the Central Committee!
