(Book Review)

Serhiy Zhadan is a prominent Ukrainian author whose works have gained a following both within Ukraine and internationally. His latest novel, ‘Fruitless Thoughts,’ is a powerful and poignant exploration of the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution.

The novel follows the lives of several characters whose paths cross in unexpected ways in the city of Kharkiv. The central character is Maks, a writer and musician who is struggling to find meaning in his life after the revolution. He is haunted by the memories of those who lost their lives in the conflict and is searching for a way to make sense of the violence and chaos that has engulfed his country.

One of the strengths of ‘Fruitless Thoughts’ is Zhadan’s ability to capture the complexities and contradictions of life in post-revolutionary Ukraine. The novel is filled with memorable characters who are grappling with their own demons and trying to come to terms with the changes that have taken place in their country. Zhadan’s writing is both poetic and raw, capturing the beauty and pain of everyday life in Kharkiv.

Here is an example of Zhadan’s writing: “Life is simple, but we complicate it. We fill our days with noise and distractions, trying to drown out the silence within. But sometimes, in the quiet moments, we catch a glimpse of something more, something that reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life.”

One of the drawbacks of the novel is that it can be challenging to keep track of all the different characters and their relationships to one another. However, this is a minor quibble in light of the novel’s many strengths.

Overall, ‘Fruitless Thoughts’ is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that captures the essence of life in post-revolutionary Ukraine. Zhadan’s writing is both poetic and raw, and he does an excellent job of capturing the complexities and contradictions of life in a country that is struggling to come to terms with its past and forge a new future. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in contemporary Ukrainian literature.

My rating: 4.5/5