by Askold Krushelnycky

Author Information: Askold Krushelnycky has mainly been employed as a staff journalist for British newspapers, including the "Sunday Times," "The Mail on Sunday," and "The European." Has been based in New Delhi, Moscow, and Kyiv. Was one of the first Western journalists into Afghanistan with the mujahedin after the Soviet invasion. Currently writes as a freelancer for RFE/RL, "The Independent," and "The Chicago Tribune." (from RFE-RL)

Book Description: Askold Krushelnycky is well-placed to explore and explain the terrible divisions in his tormented homeland. He has a father who fought for the Ukrainian SS and an aunt who became a heroine of the Red Army. With a background like that, his account of the years leading up to the 2004 Orange Revolution - which displaced the pro-Russian elite - is a highly personal, partisan account. (review in the Independent)

Recommendation: This book was recommended to me by reader Jo. Amazon lists the Economist as saying "A fast-paced account of Ukrainian history from the year dot until the revolution’s end…a good story." However, when I read the review, I was much more struck by this:

But the book suffers from the same thing that gives it authenticity: the author's own background in the Ukrainian diaspora. Self-sacrificing and determined though they often are, East European émigrés can be excessively one-sided. Mr Krushelnycky's treatment of Ukraine's ethnic minorities is as rudimentary as his treatment of Russia is snide.

It is still a good story, but the real one is a lot more complicated...

Independent, Marcus Tanner - "This book is a great guide"

Book Links