Overview

This book shares the remarkable and often challenging life journeys of nine Ukrainians from Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, Odesa, Poltava, and one Austrian who chose to be Ukrainian. With their unwavering resilience and positive attitude, these individuals have transcended physical and mental barriers, leaving an indelible mark with the breadth of their vision and actions, inspiring the world. The book delves into the complex perception of the border as a historical entity that has always been a double-edged sword for Ukrainians: a constant threat, yet it has also provided opportunities-a space for communication, trade, and cultural exchanges. This volume offers a unique and enthralling journey through the history of Ukraine and its vibrant culture, told through the lives of its extraordinary, yet often overlooked or completely unknown, individuals. The Ukrainian national character, defined by resilience, adaptability, and a profound love for nature, music, and visual arts, is celebrated here. By shining a light on these forgotten figures, readers will discover and appreciate their profound contributions to global culture, offering a fresh and insightful perspective. Why is this needed today? With the Russo-Ukrainian War, we are observing global attempts to revive the thinking and behavior of the era of colonialism and the times of the Cold War. Through historical figures, the book tells a story about Ukrainian bravery, resilience, flexibility, and a positive attitude toward life. This helped them cope with difficulties and persistently pursue their dreams, contributing to their self-realization and world recognition. These stories are not just great examples of Ukrainian resilience; they are urgent reminders of the importance of understanding and appreciating Ukrainian history and culture in our current global context.

Full Product Details

9783838220079

Table of Contents

Reviews

“One of [Khomenko’s] three books on Ukraine that exist in Japanese language you must read.” Nihon Keizai Shimbun / “The Nikkei” 

“One of [Khomenko’s] three books on Ukraine that exist in Japanese language you must read.” Nihon Keizai Shimbun / “The Nikkei”

Author Information

Dr Olga Khomenko is a visiting scholar at the Russian and East European Studies Centre at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, University of Oxford, and at the Japan Centre, SOAS, University of London. A specialist in Japanese Studies and International History, she focuses on the entangled histories of Eastern Asia and Eastern Europe. Educated in Kyiv and Tokyo, she has taught at leading Ukrainian universities and worked in journalism and diplomacy. Her research has been supported by fellowships at the University of Oxford (CARA/BritishAcademy), Harvard University (Fulbright), the University of Tokyo, and the University of Vienna. Her books include The Faraway Sky of Kyiv: Ukrainians in the War (Ibidem, 2023), The Far Eastern Odyssey of Ivan Svit (Laurus, 2021) and From Ukraine with Love (Gunzosha, 2014). She also co-translated A Short Anthology of Contemporary Ukrainian Literature into Japanese (Gunzosha, 2005). Dr Zbigniew Wojnowski, Associate Professor of Soviet History at St Antony’s College, University of Oxford.

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