A Ukrainian soldier held in Russian prison camps for more than four years turned to memorizing the Harry Potter books to survive. Marine Aleksandr 'Finik' Ivanov recited all seven books from memory throughout his captivity, becoming a source of morale for his cellmates.
Ivanov, 33, was captured wounded in 2022 while defending the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works in Mariupol. He was held in various Russian prisons over the next four years, including Olenivka. A fan of the Harry Potter series since childhood, Ivanov tried to give hope to his cellmates by recounting the stories during this difficult period.
Describing the prison conditions as 'a real hell,' Ivanov compared them to Azkaban from the Harry Potter universe but said the reality was far worse. He had read the books so many times that he had memorized almost all of them and had Harry Potter-themed tattoos on his body. He said that every time he reached the last book, the other prisoners asked him to start over.
After his release, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling sent Ivanov a letter. In the letter, Rowling said, 'Dear Aleksandr, I heard that you are a Harry Potter fan and that these stories supported you during your captivity in Russia. I am very happy that you have regained your freedom and returned to Ukraine. I wish you a long and happy life.' Rowling also sent Ivanov a signed copy of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.'
Ivanov said he never imagined receiving such a letter while in captivity, stressing that the books were a great support for him and the other prisoners. 'I am very happy and sincerely grateful,' Ivanov said, recounting that during the prisoner exchange, his wife Nelli, son Demid, and friends brought magic wands and other Harry Potter accessories, believing he would be freed.
The Ukrainian marine, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation, is trying to put the difficult period behind him.
