This journal of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a collection of Andrey Kurkov’s writings and broadcasts from Kyiv, and is a very poignant record of the war by an excellent author that has been translated by Boris Dralyuk.

In some ways this is a rather naive and very personal look at the war which is able to delve into the soul of the Ukrainian people, who are both surprised, and outraged by the attack.

“The diaries begin last December, two months before the war did, and include items that might not seem pertinent: power cuts, Pushkin, Covid, drink-driving, hipster bookshops, school meals and whether Ukrainian is a sexier language than Russian. But underneath is a constant fear of imminent conflict. It’s not as if war isn’t happening already: Kurkov’s 2018 novel Grey Bees, set in the zone between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists, was a reminder of ongoing hostilities in the east. And he knows what’s coming will be bigger and worse, with “horrors that have no place in contemporary life”. The Guardian

He was at home in Kyiv when the first missiles hit, before driving at a snail’s pace to the village where he has a house and from there, for another 22 hours, to the safer haven of Transcarpathia. He made occasional trips over the western border in the following weeks but never for long: “I stay and will continue to write for you so that you know how Ukraine lives during the war.”

The “you” he is talking about is the western leaders who is hoping will take Ukrainian’s side in the war. He is very vocal in his condemnation of Germany not providing aid and countries like Greece for sitting on the fence.

Kurkov’s line on the war, as “ageing Putin’s last chance to fulfil his dream of recreating the USSR”, is a common one amongst commentators. I was expecting him to be more vocal in his support for President Zelenskiy whom he praises for his leadership but is not building him up as the national hero I expected him to.

Kurkov draws on social media posts, phone calls and even conversations at the local sauna to tell his story. It is not only his story, but the story of a country determined to fight but with kindness and humour still in abundance.

It is not necessarily a book that you will enjoy reading, but is one that you will be glad that you have. Kurkov has become an important voice for his people. I thoroughly recommend it. I obtained mine for Book Depository.

We should not forget on this 11th Day of the 11th month those who made the ultimate sacrifice!

LEST WE FORGET