Andrei Kurkov is a writer of Ukrainian origin whose work often explores the absurdity of life and the complexities of Ukrainian identity through a distinctive, slightly surreal style. His prose is marked by incisive humor and a profound understanding of human nature, frequently set against post-Soviet backdrops. Kurkov masterfully blends satire with existential themes, making his narratives resonate with readers seeking deeper meaning in the everyday. His writing offers a fresh perspective on cultural and political shifts.
Chronicling the ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, this volume presents a vivid portrayal of contemporary Ukrainian life amidst conflict. Through a blend of satire, tragedy, humor, and heartfelt observations, Andrey Kurkov captures the resilience and solidarity of the Ukrainian people. His diary entries reflect on the daily realities of war, including air raids, deportations, and moments of cultural celebration. This work serves as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on Ukraine's history, politics, and enduring identity.
Set against a backdrop of nostalgia, the narrative unfolds as a joyous caper filled with playful energy. It intertwines magical elements and supernatural twists, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The story evokes a sense of bittersweet longing for a brighter past, blending humor and enchantment to engage readers in an uplifting adventure.
A vivid, moving and sometimes funny account of the reality of life during
Russia's invasion, Marc Bennetts, The Times Uplifting and utterly defiant,
Matt Nixson, Daily Express No-one with the slightest interest in this war, or
the nation on which it is being waged, should fail to read Andrey Kurkov,
Dominic Lawson, Daily Mail For centuries, attempts have been made to force
Ukrainians to forget their native language, to stop singing Ukrainian songs
and to abandon their history. For almost 400 years, Russia has been fighting
against Ukrainian identity. Ten years on from the annexation of Crimea, two
years on from Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people
continue to fight back. In the second volume of his war diaries, Andrey Kurkov
gives a fresh perspective on a people for whom resistance and solidarity have
become a matter of survival. Our Daily War is a chronological record of the
heterogeneous mix that comprises Ukrainian life and thought in the teeth of
Russian aggression, from the constant stress of air raids, the deportation of
citizens from the occupied regions and the whispers of governmental corruption
to Christmas celebrations, crowdfunding and the recipe for a trench candle.
Kurkov's human's-eye view on the war in Ukraine is by turns bitingly
satirical, tragic, humorous and heartfelt. It is also, in the manner of Pepys,
an invaluable insight into the history, politics and culture of Ukraine. Our
Daily War is the ideal primer for anyone who would like to know what life is
like in that country today. Andrey Kurkov [is] one of the most articulate
ambassadors to the West for the situation in his homeland, Sam Leith,
Spectator Immediate and important ... From the grim incredulity at Russians
massing on the border to the displacement of millions of people, this is an
insider's account of how an ordinary life became extraordinary. It is also
about survival, hope and humanity, Helen Davies, The Times Ukraine's greatest
novelist is fighting for his country, Giles Harvey, New York Times The
author's on-the-ground account is packed with surprising details about the
human effects of the Russian assault ... His voice is genial but also
impassioned, never more so than when deploring Putin's efforts to erase
Ukrainian culture and history. Ukraine, he says, will either be free,
independent and European, or it will not exist at all. That's why the war has
to be fought, with no concession of territory. And he remains quietly hopeful
that it will be won, Blake Morrison, Guardian
Kyiv, 1919. The Soviets control the city, but White armies menace them from the West. No man trusts his neighbour and any spark of resistance may ignite into open rebellion. When Samson Kolechko's father is murdered, his last act is to save his son from a falling Cossack sabre. Deprived of his right ear instead of his head, Samson is left an orphan, with only his father's collection of abacuses for company. Until, that is, his flat is requisitioned by two Red Army soldiers, whose secret plans Samson is somehow able to overhear with uncanny clarity. Eager to thwart them, he stumbles into a world of murder and intrigue that will either be the making of him - or finish what the Cossack started. Inflected with Kurkov's signature humour and magical realism, The Silver Bone takes inspiration from the real life archives of crime enforcement agencies in Kyiv, crafting a propulsive narrative that bursts to life with rich historical detail.
**A Summer 2024 pick in the Times Literary Supplement and the Financial Times** "Andrey Kurkov is often called Ukraine's greatest living writer, and it is a gift for crime fiction fans that he writes in this genre" New York Times "A very intriguing and atmospheric novel by a highly accomplished writer . . . A fascinating read in the light of contemporary events" Alexander McCall Smith, Bestselling Author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Kyiv, 1919. The Soviets control the city, but White armies menace them from the West. No man trusts his neighbour and any spark of resistance may ignite into open rebellion. When Samson Kolechko's father is murdered, his last act is to save his son from a falling Cossack sabre. Deprived of his right ear instead of his head, Samson is left an orphan, with only his father's collection of abacuses for company. Until, that is, his flat is requisitioned by two Red Army soldiers, whose secret plans Samson is somehow able to overhear with uncanny clarity. Eager to thwart them, he stumbles into a world of murder and intrigue that will either be the making of him - or finish what the Cossack started. Inflected with Kurkov's signature humour and magical realism, The Silver Bone takes inspiration from the real life archives of crime enforcement agencies in Kyiv, crafting a propulsive narrative that bursts to life with rich historical detail. Translated from the Russian by Boris Dralyuk
A hugely entertaining romp through the beautiful city of Lviv, by the author
of Death and the Penguin and Grey Bees, now reporting widely on the Russian
invasion of Ukraine, his home country.
Ukraine's most famous novelist dramatises the conflict raging in his country through the adventures of a mild-mannered beekeeper. From the author of the bestselling Death and the Penguin.
When Igor accidentally travels back to 1957, he finds out that the past isn't as rosy as it seems. In fact it's positively dangerous. Igor is confident his old Soviet policeman's uniform will be the best costume at the party. But he hasn't gone far before he realises something is wrong. The streets are unusually dark and empty, and the only person to emerge from the shadows runs away from him in terror. After a perplexing conversation with the terrified man, who turns out to be a wine smuggler, and on recovering from the resulting hangover, Igor comes to an unbelievable conclusion: he has found his way back to 1957 Kiev. And it isn't the innocent era his mother and her friends have so sentimentally described. As he travels between centuries, his life becomes more and more complicated. The unusual gardener who lives in his mother's shed keeps disappearing, his best friend has blackmailed the wrong people, and Igor has fallen in love with a married woman in a time before he was born. With his mother's disapproval at his absences growing, and his adventures in each time frame starting to catch up with him, Igor has to survive the past if he wants any kind of future.
