Literature is a world that opens up endless possibilities for us. It inspires, makes us think, expands our worldview and takes us to the unexplored depths of the human soul. There are many talented writers in Ukraine who deserve attention. They write in different genres – from prose to poetry, from drama to fantasy. In this article, we’re going to look at the top 10 books in Ukrainian. This list includes books that inspire, fascinate and leave an unforgettable mark on the hearts of every reader.
1. “The Family of Kaydashev by Ivan Nechuy-Levytsky
A recognised masterpiece of Ukrainian literature written by Ivan Nechuy-Levytsky. This is a story about the life of a typical Ukrainian family in the late 19th century, where the author uses the conflict between the older and younger generations to highlight the social and psychological aspects of rural life at the time. The novel is centred on two characters, Marusya and Lukyan Kaydash, who represent different views on life, traditions and change. Reading the book, you will feel the depth of human nature, discover real rural life and its difficulties, and understand the important role that traditions and family ties play in shaping a personality.
2. “Kobzar” – Taras Shevchenko
A symbol of the Ukrainian soul. Each poem reflects the author’s endless love for his people, their struggles, dreams and hopes. From lyrical images to sharp social satires, Shevchenko skilfully creates a portrait of his time that makes the reader plunge into the past and follow the path of pain, loss and resurrection of the Ukrainian people.
3. “Boarding School” by Serhiy Zhadan
A powerful and eerie story told through the prism of the war in eastern Ukraine. The work is a kind of meditation on the themes of humanity, war, loss and hope. The central character is a teacher who tries to save his student from a boarding school that is on the front line. His journey is not only a literal struggle for survival, but also a moral test, which tests his faith in humanity and hope for the best. “Boarding School” will impress you with its brutal reality, tense atmosphere, but also with its deep emotionality and sensuality. Serhiy Zhadan, known for his extraordinary mastery of words, once again demonstrates his ability to create works that deeply affect, inspire and make you think. Reading this book, you will plunge into a world where love and compassion meet the cruelty of war, and the choices we make determine not only our lives, but also the lives of those we love.
4. “The Tiger Catchers” – Ivan Bahrianyi
“The Tiger Catchers is not just a book. It is a kind of manifesto of the Ukrainian spirit, indomitability and defiance. The story is centred on three brothers who confront the enemy to defend their homeland. The author describes the emotional world of his characters, their inner rebellion, and their belief in victory in an extremely truthful and profound way. This is a work that makes you think about the greatness and value of freedom.
5. “Palimpsest” – Vasyl Stus
Extreme honesty with himself is perhaps the most striking feature of Vasyl Stus, a poet, personality, and public figure who not only lived an interesting and colorful life but also managed to embody the growth of a person to the level of his destiny and vocation in words. Hence the increased interest in his poems, which are “samples of the era” in which he was destined to live. “Palimpsest” is the most complete book of his favorites, which contains, if not all the best (for the poet has virtually no weak poems), then at least all the brightest of his creative work. The book is intended for a wide range of poetry fans.
6. “The Rising Hawk” by Ivan Franko
One of the most important historical novels in Ukrainian literature. It tells the story of the struggle of Ukrainian Hutsuls against the Polish gentry in the fourteenth century, using real historical events. Zakhar Berkut is a wise and indomitable Hutsul who becomes a symbol of resistance and freedom-lovingness. He leads his people in the struggle for freedom and justice, even when the price of this struggle is his own life and the lives of his family.The novel is marked by deep characterisation, a dynamic plot and a masterful use of the Ukrainian language. Reading The Rising Hawk will make you feel the strength and pride of the Ukrainian people, and will give you a glimpse into the depths of their struggle for freedom. Franko not only depicts the struggle of the Hutsuls, but also shows their culture, daily life and faith, which gives the work even more depth and authenticity. This book is not only a story about the struggle for freedom, but also a powerful novel about human will, love and sacrifice.
7. “Notes of a Ukrainian Samashed” by Lina Kostenko
This is a deeply emotional, poignant and at the same time witty look at the life, society and culture of Ukraine. In this book, Kostenko embodies the character with impressive skill, often using irony and sarcasm to sharply criticise political and social reality. A thought-provoking work that evokes laughter and tears, but most importantly, it reminds us of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and their invincible will to live.
8. “Museum of Abandoned Secrets” by Oksana Zabuzhko
In her new book dedicated to the memory of the archivist of the Ukrainian Free Academy of Sciences in New York, Oksana Miyakovska-Radysh (1919-2020), Oksana Zabuzhko turns to her favorite genre, a mix of memoir, literary research, and intellectual detective work.
9. “Perversion by Yuri Andrukhovych
The protagonist of this unusual novel is a Ukrainian writer who travels to Venice to attend the symposium “The Post-Carnival Folly of the World: What’s on the Horizon?” In Venice, mystical things and inner transformations happen to the hero. “Perversity is one of the most interesting novels not only in the oeuvre of the already classic contemporary writer Yuri Andrukhovych, but also in Ukrainian literature in general. It is filled with legends, references to world cultures and history, mysticism; in addition, it is written in an exquisite language, immersion in which will surely bring you great pleasure.
10. “Солодка Даруся” – Марія Матіос
“Sweet Darusia is one of the most successful Ukrainian novels outside of Ukraine. The book has been published in German, English, Italian, Polish, and critically acclaimed in France: “Maria Matios has an incredibly powerful poetic style. She confidently weaves a story, just like in a great ancient tragedy.” The novel is set in Bukovyna and tells the story of a woman, Darusia, and her parents who suffer from Soviet rule, first in the pre-war period and then during the Soviet occupation of Bukovyna. It is a poetic, sincere, and at the same time scary novel.
These 10 books in Ukrainian are a small selection of the wealth of literature. Each of them has its own unique power and can deepen your knowledge of the world and the human soul. Choose the book you like the most and let yourself be immersed in the unique atmosphere of the word.
