(book review)

It is a powerful collection of journal entries that provide an intimate view of Ukraine’s recent history. Kurkov, a Ukrainian novelist and journalist, began keeping a journal in 2013, just as the country was on the brink of a political crisis that would ultimately lead to the Euromaidan revolution and the annexation of Crimea by Russia. In the years that followed, Kurkov continued to document the rapidly changing landscape of his country, from the war in the Donbas region to the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights.

One of the strengths of ‘Ukraine Diaries’ is Kurkov’s ability to capture the complexity and nuance of Ukraine’s political situation. He provides a valuable perspective on the various factions and groups involved in the conflict, as well as their motivations and goals. At the same time, he never loses sight of the human toll of the conflict, describing in heartbreaking detail the lives that have been lost or irrevocably changed by the violence. He writes about everything from the difficulties of obtaining basic necessities like food and medicine, to the emotional toll of living in a society that is constantly on edge. Kurkov also discusses the role of the media in shaping public perception of the conflict. He is critical of both Ukrainian and Russian media outlets for perpetuating biased and often misleading narratives. He emphasizes the importance of seeking out multiple perspectives and independent sources of information.

Kurkov’s writing style is clear and concise, and his journal entries are organized by month and year, making it easy to follow the chronology of events. He also includes numerous photographs and maps to help readers understand the geography of the conflict. One particularly striking passage from the book reads:

“In Ukraine, everything is unpredictable. Every day brings new challenges and new dangers. We have no idea what the future holds, but we know that we must keep fighting for our freedom and our dignity.”

While having many strengths, the book has a few weaknesses too. Some readers may find Kurkov’s style of writing to be somewhat dry or unemotional, particularly when describing some of the more horrific events of the conflict. Additionally, because the book is a collection of journal entries rather than a cohesive narrative, there is a lack of overall structure that may make it difficult for some readers to fully engage with the material.

Overall, ‘Ukraine Diaries’ is an important and timely book that provides a valuable perspective on one of the most significant geopolitical crises of our time. Kurkov’s insights into the conflict and its impact on the people of Ukraine are invaluable, and his writing style is both accessible and informative. While it may not be the most emotionally engaging book on the topic, it is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the complex political situation in Ukraine.

I give ‘Ukraine Diaries’ a rating of 8.9 out of 10 stars. So, I recommend reading it. If it were not for this book, some important moments of those events would have been lost and forgotten.