Columnist in 'Vesti' in an open letter to Boris Akunin: 'I share your pain'

Inga Chikovani, a columnist for the Israeli publication 'Vesti' who is battling cancer, addressed an open letter to writer Boris Akunin following the death of his wife Erika. Chikovani expresses her condolences, noting that she was moved by photographs of masks Erika made during chemotherapy. She emphasizes that words of support matter, even if they cannot bring a person back.

Writer Grigory Chkhartishvili, known as Boris Akunin, announced on social media the death of his wife Erika, who passed away from cancer. Erika was not only his life partner but also his translator, editor, and literary agent. Inga Chikovani, a columnist for the Israeli publication 'Vesti' who is herself battling cancer, addressed him with an open letter expressing condolences and support. Chikovani notes that they were not personally acquainted, but she was moved by photographs of masks Erika made during chemotherapy. She writes that these masks reflected feelings familiar to her. Akunin has been declared a 'foreign agent' in Russia and sentenced in absentia to 14 years in prison; his books are being removed from stores and libraries. Chikovani emphasizes that words of support are important, even if they cannot bring a person back.