Писатель Николай Белина-Подгаецкий | Федор Крашенинников "Голос Брюсселя"
Summary
Fedor Krasheninnikov explores the life of Nikolai Belina Podgoretsky, a Russian émigré who returned to the USSR, fled via Singapore, and became a prominent Catholic anti-communist writer in Belgium. The episode details how Podgoretsky leveraged his Soviet experience to build a career in Belgian Catholic media, publishing memoirs and children’s books that blended propaganda with adventure. It also covers his wartime activities in Belgian Congo and his post-war return to Brussels, highlighting his unique role in the local literary and religious landscape.
Topics discussed
Introduction and source material for the episode
Early life, WWI service, and post-revolution emigration
Marriage, family, and decision to return to the USSR
Life as a Soviet journalist and writer
Escape from the USSR via Singapore
Arrival in Portugal and move to Belgium
Integration into the Russian émigré community in Brussels
Conversion to Catholicism and its motivations
Writing for Catholic press and 'Red Hurricane' memoirs
Political context and literary reception of his works
Collaboration with Averbode and Flemish audience
Writing adventure books for children
Political stance during WWII and police surveillance
Life in Portugal and Belgian Congo during the war
Post-war return to Belgium and shift in writing themes
Later career and legacy as a prolific writer
Biographies of his children and their lives in Congo
Conclusion and summary of Belina-Plotnitsky's life
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