Books from Ukraine
Writing from Ukraine spans poetry, fiction, memoir and speculative work. Ukrainian literature has a long tradition of poetry, and contemporary authors often write about daily life and the country's changing society. These books by Ukrainian writers cover many forms and subjects.
Android
Contemporary Fiction
Start here
The Museum of Abandoned Secrets by Oksana Zabuzhko
A contemporary novel that moves between present day Ukraine and the country's wartime and Soviet past.
- Death and the Penguin by Andrey Kurkov. A contemporary novel about a writer in Kyiv who keeps a penguin and takes on work writing obituaries.
Mystery & Thriller
Start here
Grey Bees by Andrey Kurkov
A novel about a beekeeper from a conflict zone in eastern Ukraine who travels with his bees.
- Penguin Lost by Andrey Kurkov. A novel that continues the story of the writer and his penguin in Kyiv and beyond.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Start here
Vita Nostra by Marina and Sergey Dyachenko
A fantasy novel about a young woman who enters a strange school where the rules are not ordinary.
Poetry
Start here
The Forest Song by Lesya Ukrainka
A verse drama set in the woodland and rooted in Ukrainian folklore.
- Kobzar by Taras Shevchenko. A collection of poems that is a founding work of modern Ukrainian literature.
Memoir & Nonfiction
Start here
Ukraine Diaries by Andrey Kurkov
A memoir that records his observations of life and events in Ukraine.
How we choose
These lists start from books Atlas Unread readers can stamp for Ukraine. Each title and author is confirmed against Wikidata, Wikipedia or library records before it is listed.