A controversial biography of the world-renowned journalist, the late Ryszard Kapuściński is in Polish bookshops from today.
Penned by Artur Domosławski, the publication entitled Kapuściński Non-Fiction has stirred major controversy in Poland, as it reveals many intimate facts about his life, such as links with the secret service, and questions supposed facts depicted in his celebrated works.
The book debunks the legend behind the celebrated reporter, thus sparking a fierce debate in the country. The ongoing discussion exposes a deeper conflict of values, with truth on the one side and ethics on the other, says cultural sociologist Mirosław Pęczak:
"The truth may be very inconvenient and not only because it detrimental to specific individuals, but because it is detrimental to a particular way of perceiving the world that is shared by many people. This is why it is a good idea to maintain subtlety and self-restraint. Yet on the other hand, we live in a culture where this subtlety and moderation is obscured. Here, distinctness is sought after. We have experienced this in the tabloid culture and we know what the media can do. From this perspective the book about Kapuściński is really not a sin."
Alicja Kapuścińska, the widow of the famed journalist, attempted to obstruct the release of the book citing the protection of personal goods and copyright. (ab/pg)