‘Silence is golden’: Vladimir Vertlib’s literary explorations of silence in migration

Abstract

The contributions in this series explore the migration experience using different kinds of “data.” Our authors use works of art, novels, songs, and movies to explore many of the same questions they generally ask in their social scientific research. What additional insights come from using arts and culture to think through the issues that concern us? What can images and notes reveal that scholarly work cannot? We also invite original stories, poems, photo essays or art works. Ideas for contributions are wholeheartedly invited at any time. Please contact Emanuela Paoletti or Peggy Levitt. Vladimir Vertlib is an established Austrian writer of Russian Jewish origin. Of the 11 books he has published thus far, 3 have been inspired by his own migration experiences. Vertlib was born in Leningrad in 1966. Around this time, his parents became involved in an illegal Zionist movement that opposed the Soviet ban on emigration to Israel. They suffered from repression, especially after they had applied for emigration in 1969 (Vertlib 2007: 20–22). They were permitted to leave for Israel in 1971 but moved on within a year. This was the beginning of a 10-year odyssey to find a new home. Their continuous migrations took the family, amongst others, to Rome, Vienna, Amsterdam, and Boston. After their deportation from the USA in 1981, they eventually settled in Vienna where Vertlib completed his education. In 1993, the author moved to Salzburg.