According to an interview in Privātā Dzīve, Latvian writer Vladis Spāre named his latest book Melnais telefons as a direct tribute to his late first wife, translator and publisher Lienīte Medne-Spāre. Spāre revealed that the title was chosen just four days before her death in March 2023, constructed letter-by-letter as she blinked to select characters from the alphabet while completely paralyzed.
The Story Behind Melnais telefons
The poignant naming process emerged during Spāre’s final days with his wife of 45 years, according to his interview with Privātā Dzīve. Lienīte Medne-Spāre suffered from a progressive form of cancer alongside motor neuron disease, which systematically paralyzed her entire body. As Spāre recounted, the illness initially affected her hands before moving to her legs, eventually leaving her unable to move or speak.
Unable to voice her thoughts when Spāre read her a story draft four days prior to her passing, she communicated using eye blinks. Spāre recited the alphabet, and she blinked when he reached the required letter. That painstaking method produced the title Melnais telefons, dedicated to her memory. Lienīte Medne-Spāre died on March 6, 2023, surviving five years after her initial diagnosis despite doctors predicting she had only one year to live. Spāre stated to Privātā Dzīve that he still believes she passed away due to medical negligence.
Did you know?
Motor neuron disease is a progressive condition that damages the nervous system, gradually robbing patients of voluntary muscle movement, speech, and eventually breathing capacity.
Recent Personal Developments and Separation
Following his first wife’s death, Spāre’s personal life shifted again in 2024 when he entered into a relationship with a Ukrainian woman named Inesa, according to Privātā Dzīve. After dating for a year, the couple married. However, Inesa did not attend the launch event for his new book.
Spāre disclosed to Privātā Dzīve that they have been separated for a month. While they remain legally married, he described himself as a single man in practice, noting that Inesa has blocked him on social media. The writer offered no further details regarding the sudden breakdown of the marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired the title of Vladis Spāre’s book Melnais telefons?
According to Vladis Spāre’s interview with Privātā Dzīve, the title was spelled out letter-by-letter by his paralyzed first wife, Lienīte Medne-Spāre, who blinked at specific letters as he recited the alphabet four days before her death.
How long were Vladis Spāre and Lienīte Medne-Spāre married?
The couple spent 45 years together before Lienīte Medne-Spāre passed away on March 6, 2023, following a multi-year battle with cancer and motor neuron disease.
What is the current status of Vladis Spāre’s second marriage?
Spāre told Privātā Dzīve that he and his second wife, Inesa, separated roughly a year after their marriage in 2024. Although they remain legally married, he stated they are no longer together and that she has blocked him on social media.
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