"An engaging narrative antidote to dull history textbooks"
Translated and published in England for the first time, this fascinating book not only tells an important story giving context to the current war in the Ukraine, but it does so in a very interesting way aided by a thoroughly stylish illustrative design and layout.
Through the voices of four friends who met at a summer camp and who come from different corners of the country, the incredible history of Ukraine is revealed. The discovery of a mollusk fossil dug out on the lakeshore sets them off on a quest to write their own history book. Step by step they discover how the land and cultures of Ukraine have been formed and about the long struggle for independence.
What is particularly interesting is what they reveal about their own region and their current lives and the tensions which obviously still exist. Despite seemingly constant invasions and changes of boundaries the true spirit of an independent Ukraine developed and survived.
This book concludes in 2014 after the Russian annexation of Crimea and the ongoing fighting in the Donbas. The final note rather prophetically and poignantly says “we are not saying goodbye” and that the war for the heart and soul of Ukraine will continue. The reader, learning alongside the intrepid researchers, gets a real sense of the importance of this part of Europe and why so many have struggled to dominate it and a real sense of the strength of character of the people.
A very rewarding read for anyone who wants to understand a bit more about the conflict and a valuable support to the curriculum.
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