xxstefaniereadsxx's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
This book covers a great span of history, from the 1200s to the 2020s. It particularly discusses the geography of Ukraine, and how borders have been an issue for them in establishing independence and a national identity for centuries. There were a couple of parts in here that really stood out to me, specifically the famine implemented by the Stalin regime and the activities of the people during World War II.
I didn't realize this book would have current events in it, such as the Russian invasion in 2022. I got this for a dollar at my favorite used bookstore, and I was expecting the information to cut off in the 2010s. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it included more recent events. All that I knew about Ukraine prior to reading this book was what I learned in college about their involvement in World War II. I learned a considerable amount of information about the history of the people of Ukraine, and I am glad about it. If you are looking to learn the same thing, this is a tremendous book.
I didn't realize this book would have current events in it, such as the Russian invasion in 2022. I got this for a dollar at my favorite used bookstore, and I was expecting the information to cut off in the 2010s. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it included more recent events. All that I knew about Ukraine prior to reading this book was what I learned in college about their involvement in World War II. I learned a considerable amount of information about the history of the people of Ukraine, and I am glad about it. If you are looking to learn the same thing, this is a tremendous book.
memezaharamole's review
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Chapters are arranged by key events, with overlap in chapters building upon a fuller picture of Ukraine. Very interesting to have the original context from the first edition leading up to the events occuring today in part two. Great mix of historical facts and literature shared with contemporary opinions from locals. 🌻🌻🌻
kateslowreads's review
5.0
There isn't really a better way to read a book about a country than to travel in the country while you're reading the book. I was fortunate in this, but even if you're not going to Ukraine any time soon, this is still an interesting book to read. Some parts were quite sad, and it allowed me see the cause behind some of the problems that still exist in the country today.
adelinade's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
cath_m's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Interesting, relevant and well researched
bu77trout's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
An informative look at Ukraine's history from the founding of Kievan Rus by Prince Volodomyr in the 11th C to the post-independence period updated recently to include the Maidan and the Russian invasion of Crimea and the Donbass. The author takes us on a journey around Ukraine using her conversations and experiences in the early 90s in Ukraine as the frame of reference to introduce different historical periods and moments. It is at times light and curious but of course delves into Ukraine's darkest historic periods.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide
flyingswiftly's review against another edition
2.0
I really enjoyed the way this book was written, understanding Anna’s interactions with Ukraine as a country and those people she’s met there, make some of the drier bits more personable and easy to digest.
However, I am no expert on the subject and due to the current situation I wanted to learn more. I read this as it was highly recommended on Amazon, and I was going into it very green. What bothered me was a couple of things said that were completely untrue from knowledge, and a quick Google confirmed this! This, of course made me distrust more of the book as there were parts I couldn’t fact-check off the bat, and I wasn’t going to Google every other part of the book.
So this is the reason for the lower rating - I can see other Goodreads’ reviews with similar comments.
However, I am no expert on the subject and due to the current situation I wanted to learn more. I read this as it was highly recommended on Amazon, and I was going into it very green. What bothered me was a couple of things said that were completely untrue from knowledge, and a quick Google confirmed this! This, of course made me distrust more of the book as there were parts I couldn’t fact-check off the bat, and I wasn’t going to Google every other part of the book.
So this is the reason for the lower rating - I can see other Goodreads’ reviews with similar comments.