TIRANA, May 4 – A renowned prose writer in Albania, author Teodor Laà§o has had a surprise poetry volume published only six months after his death, unveiling his hidden passion about poetry.
“Hapjani Dritaren Pulebardhes” (Open the Window to the Gull), a collection of carefully selected poems from the late writer’s manuscripts, is a publication of Tirana Times publishing house.
Speaking at a book promotion ceremony this week, writer Bardhyl Londo who selected the poems, said he was surprised by Laà§o’s hidden passion about poetry dating back to his early years of creativity in the 1970s under communism.
“Teodor Laà§o’s poetry is elegant poetry of an elegant life and work. Laà§o’s poetry creativity is a natural continuation of his creative personality. It comes naturally, and humbly touches upon the world of the ones who read or enjoy it,” says Londo in the preface to the book.
His “Open the Window to the Gull” poem after which the book has been named, is a “hymn to love, goodness, humanism, the lyrical spirit, with the gull a symbol of humanity, compassion and the eternal spirit.” “The gull is Laà§o’s own spirit who will always knock on the window,” says Londo.
Literary critic Behar Gjoka described Laà§o as an avid prose writer who lived with lyricism, a hidden poet for forty years with a lyrical profile and a metrics awareness.
Teodor Laco’s widow, actress Mirjana Laà§o said she was saddened to participate at a book promotion ceremony without her husband for the first time in 18 years they have been together, but also happy to have contributed with something special during her six months of mourning.
Speaking on behalf of the Tirana Times publishing house, Albert Rakipi, said the book promotion also served as tribute to Teodor Laà§o, an elegant writer, politician and diplomat.
Accompanied by the sounds of violin, Laà§o’s two nephews and a professional artist read some of his poems at a promotion ceremony held at the Tirana Times book house.
Teodor Laà§o, one of Albania’s greatest modern authors passed away at 80 in October 2016, leaving behind a successful career as a writer, politician and diplomat.
He was buried at his home village of Dardha in Korà§a, southeastern Albania, which he never abandoned throughout his life.
Writers, artists and politicians paid tribute to Laà§o as one of the key figures of modern Albanian literature and a liberal voice in Albania’s transition to democracy.
“With the passing away of Teodor Laà§o, literature lost a renowned figure of Albanian prose, culture its former dedicated minister of 1996-1998, the society a committed citizen, an MP, diplomat, analyst and protector of democratic values,” his colleague writers said after his death.
