Latvian Soviet literature cannot be imagined without the works of the talented writer and public figure Vilis Latsis. Although the Soviet Union has long ceased to exist, the books of the Latvian author are read, and his plays are staged on the stage.
Latvian hero
Few know about Latsis Vilis Tenisovich now. Meanwhile, this talented person deserves attention. Indeed, during the years of his life, he managed to prove himself as a famous politician and popular writer. Little is known about the details of his personal life, however, public life is worthy of respect.
Childhood and adolescence of the writer
Latsis Vilis was born in May 1904 in the Riga region of Latvia. In his early years he lived with his parents for some time in Siberia, where he was educated at the seminary of teachers in Barnaul. After returning to his native land, he had labor experience as a port handyman, a fireman on a ship and not only. He also worked in the library. In the late 30s he began working in a newspaper. At the same time, his career as a writer began. Latsis quickly achieved popularity and soon received an offer to become the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Latvian Soviet Republic. Then he becomes the Head of Government and remains in this position for almost 20 years.
Literary creativity
The literary work of Vilis Tenisovich Latsis was imbued with the idea of finding the truth. In the center is a working man, a fighter for the ideals of a communist society. Most of all, the following works by Latsis Vilis reflect this: "Wingless Birds", "Land and Sea", "Old Seaman's Nest". And, of course, the famous novels "The Tempest" and "Towards a New Shore", for which Vilis in 1949 and 1952. accordingly received the State Prize of the USSR. The novels reveal the whole life of the Latvian people fighting for Soviet power, and show their great socialist path. However, the most outstanding work of Wilis was the novel "The Son of a Fisherman", which, incidentally, was filmed in January 1940. It will not be an exaggeration to say that this event has become a landmark in the Latvian cinema.
Vilis Tenisovich Latsis was also awarded more than once for his political talents. He was awarded the highest Soviet award, the Order of Lenin, as an outstanding public figure. In addition to novels, Vilis Latsis has also written several theatrical plays and many short stories, undoubtedly becoming the Latvian writer who has created the largest number of works. Latsis Vilis Tenisovich finished his glorious path in Riga in February 1966, where his ashes still rest. The famous Latvian sculptor A. Gulbis in 1974 participated in the creation of the monument to Vilis, installed on his grave. One of the streets in Moscow was named after Vilis Latsis. We can say that Latsis Vilis Tenisovich became an example of a seeker of socialist truth in the days of communism.
