On 24 February 2022, Russia stunned the world by launching an invasion of Ukraine. In …
Started this the other day. Fascinating, a very interesting read so far. Plokhy's writing is excellent as always, and the way he builds up the background in the first chapter's discussions of empire are very compelling.
Anton Eine's “Human Kind” is a thematic compilation of science fiction short stories dedicated to …
I read the first story in this collection of science fiction from a Ukrainian author. I enjoyed it, it made me smile. I will try to read a bit more in the coming weeks.
Ivan and Phoebe chronicles the lives of several young people involved in the Ukranian student …
I was enjoying this book a lot, but for life reasons was not enjoying reading anything for a time. Now I feel like trying again this book is maybe a bit too serious - I need something more light-hearted. I really enjoyed what I read of this before I stepped away, though - I look forward to returning to it next time.
Найвідоміший і найпопулярніший роман Марії Матіос «Солодка Даруся» справедливо назвали «трагедією, адекватною історії XX століття», …
Sweet Darusya review
5 stars
Sweet Darusya tells the life story of a Hutsul woman through a series of shorter stories depicting the important scenes in her life that made her who she became. Unusually (for me, at least), the story is told in a reverse chronological order: we meet Sweet Darusya in her later life, and gradually Matios unfolds what came before.
Hutsuls are an ethnic group from Western Ukraine - around Zakarpattia (Transcarpathia) - and Romania, and Matios uses the story of Sweet Darusya to paint a picture of Hutsul life in the mid-20th century. I wonder how much of that life remains, and how much has been lost forever?
Set roughly during the late 1930s up to the 1960s, Matios brings to life the culture and history of these people through the life of Sweet Darusya.
This story is so powerful and moving; incredibly emotional, at once the story of a single …
Sweet Darusya tells the life story of a Hutsul woman through a series of shorter stories depicting the important scenes in her life that made her who she became. Unusually (for me, at least), the story is told in a reverse chronological order: we meet Sweet Darusya in her later life, and gradually Matios unfolds what came before.
Hutsuls are an ethnic group from Western Ukraine - around Zakarpattia (Transcarpathia) - and Romania, and Matios uses the story of Sweet Darusya to paint a picture of Hutsul life in the mid-20th century. I wonder how much of that life remains, and how much has been lost forever?
Set roughly during the late 1930s up to the 1960s, Matios brings to life the culture and history of these people through the life of Sweet Darusya.
This story is so powerful and moving; incredibly emotional, at once the story of a single woman yet also - through her story - the tale of a whole culture. After finishing the book, I have a strong desire to visit the region, to see more.
Maria Matios is a Ukrainian author, poet and former-parliamentarian, and winner of the Taras Shevchenko prize (Ukraine's highest award for literature).
Very strongly recommended if you have any interest in Ukraine, or literature - it is not a long book and most will probably get through it in a few days, but well worth the time.
Earth is failing. In a desperate bid to escape, the spaceship Enkidu and its captain, …
Fascinating continuation of the Children series
4 stars
Really enjoyed this. Wish Bookwyrm allowed for half stars - would be 4.5 here. So many interesting ideas, explored well. Always kept me guessing what was happening, and the story unwound at a (mostly) pleasing pace. A slow pace, mind - not one for action-science fiction fans; this is very thinky, philosophical stuff.
A couple of the chapters didn't quite work for me - more narrative background than story, they contributed to the overall understanding but I found them harder to get through than the rest - but Tchaikovsky really does explore some fascinating concepts here and I recommend this one for anyone into this slower style of science fiction.
Has any war in history gone according to plan? Monarchs, dictators and elected leaders alike …
Really good high-level summary of the modern art of war
5 stars
Content warning
Talk about war - not what everyone wants in their feed
This book is obviously not going to be everyone's cup of tea. But if you're interested in an overview of modern warfare, I'd recommend it - it's really good.
It covers everything from the importance of strategic planning and logistics, to the purposes and compositions of a fighting force.
The argument that the idea behind warfighting is all about psychology is really compelling - the aim of warfighting is not destruction for its own sake but rather as a means of compelling another to submit to your position. Negotiation, but when words have failed.
For obvious reasons it's an important read given the state of the world right now, but it will only appeal to a certain group of people - this is certainly not one I'd recommend without question, but if you have any interest in this war business then give it a try - I don't think you'll be disappointed.