On 28 February, Russia declared war on Ukraine. This is a tragedy that has affected thousands of people and shows how, once again, economic, and political interests are more important than the lives of millions of people. Hundreds of photos and news stories flood newspapers, TV, and social media every day to show us the horror in Ukraine and how both Ukrainian and Russian citizens are protesting in the streets against these horrors.
Unfortunately, this is not unique to now, but other wars have taken place over the last few years and many of them are still going on. Perhaps because this conflict is happening in Europe or because we may have family or friends in this country, it all seems closer than any previous conflict.
Some time ago we published Hermanos de Siria (Brothers in Syria), part of our collection La gente también cuenta (People tell stories too). This illustrated album tells through drawings the story of two brothers, their family and their city devastated by war. This book seeks to represent the horrors of war and the desperate cry of the surviving brother against the war.
Through this book we discover that no matter where it takes place, war is hell for innocent citizens who are only trying to escape, leaving all their material possessions and memories behind.
From some comfortable corners of the world, some people see these atrocities as impossible, as mere stories in faraway countries. They never stop to think that families are suffering; desperate, frightened people who have lost everything and everyone to a war they did not choose and did not start. Their rulers may have started that war, but it is the families of the citizens who are dying, fleeing, or hiding, never those who started the tragedy.
From Libros de las Malas Compañías (Bad Companies Books) we send all our support to the Ukrainian citizens and all those who are affected by this conflict. We understand that this is a very difficult and confusing time, the world is upside down and uncertainty gnaws at us, so if anyone wants or needs to tell their experiences on the subject, their concerns or fears, our social media are open, and we will try to answer as soon as possible.
María Brea Gutiérrez.
