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Natalia GavrilenkoUkrainian writer, author of historical novels
Date of Birth: 02.05.1965
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Ukrainian Novelist: Simona Vilar
- Debut and Pseudonym
- Historical Novels
- Anne Neville Series
- Emma the Bird Series
- Other Historical Novels
- Fantasy and the "Witch" Series
- Historical Accuracy
- Contemporary Perspectives
- List of Works
Ukrainian Novelist: Simona Vilar
Early Life and EducationNatalia Gavrilenko, known by her pen name Simona Vilar, is a contemporary Ukrainian writer. Born in Ukraine, she graduated with a degree in history from Kharkiv National University.
Debut and Pseudonym
Vilar began publishing in 1994 in Moscow under the pseudonym Simona Vilar. At the time, publishers favored foreign authors, leading Vilar to use the name "S. Vilar" with her own surname listed as the translator of her works from French.
Historical Novels
Vilar's claim to fame came in the mid-1990s with her two historical novel series: "Anne Neville" and "Emma the Bird." Each series consists of four books and is set in different historical periods.
Anne Neville Series
Set during the Wars of the Roses, the "Anne Neville" series follows the life of Anne Neville, the wife of King Richard III. The series explores the political and personal challenges faced by a woman in a male-dominated world.
Emma the Bird Series
Set in the early 10th century, the "Emma the Bird" series revolves around Emma of Bayeux and her love for the Viking Rollo, who becomes the first Duke of Normandy. The novels depict the clash of cultures and the transformative power of love amidst the harsh realities of Viking life.
Other Historical Novels
Beyond these series, Vilar has authored numerous other historical novels, including "Castle of Secrets" (English Civil War), "Queen in Addition" (the life of Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII), "Confession of a Rival" (reign of Henry I), and "Outsider" (Kievan Rus in 882).
Fantasy and the "Witch" Series
Vilar's "Witch" series is her foray into historical fantasy. Set in pre-Christian Russia, the series follows a young woman from the древлян tribe who possesses magical abilities. While initially skeptical of the genre, Vilar was captivated by the possibilities it offered.
Historical Accuracy
Vilar emphasizes the importance of historical accuracy in her works. She delves into research to provide a rich and authentic portrayal of the past. However, she acknowledges that historical novels must strike a balance between factual accuracy and the imaginative license necessary for storytelling.
Contemporary Perspectives
Despite her focus on historical subjects, Vilar maintains that she has no interest in writing contemporary romances. She dismisses them as "not serious" and prefers to explore the complexities of the past, particularly the Middle Ages in Western Europe and Kievan Rus.
List of Works
Anne Neville Series- The Rose Betrothed
- The Kingmaker's Love
- Castle on the Cliff
- The Weight of the Crown
Norman Legend Series
- The Wind from the North
- Viking Princess
- Wild Heart
- The Forest Duchess
Witch Series
- The Witch
- The Witch and the Prince
- The Witch of the Princess
SvetoRada Series
- SvetoRada the Golden
- SvetoRada the Honey
- SvetoRada the Amber
"Faraway Light" Dilogy
- Lady Messenger
- Knight of Light
Standalone Novels
- Confession of a Rival
- Outsider
- Queen in Addition
- Castle of Secrets
