A Ukrainian Christmas by Yaroslav Hrytsak & Nadiyka Gerbish #AUkrainianChristmas @BooksSphere @Bookish_Becky

 

'Christmas brings the indestructibility of hope in times of the greatest hopelessness. As long as we celebrate this holiday, we can neither be defeated nor destroyed. This is the message that Ukraine is trying to convey to the world. And this is what our book is about.'

From Christmas music to gifts and food, as well as a look back through the country's rich and troubled history through the perspective of the festive season, this beautifully illustrated and powerful book introduces readers to Ukraine's unique Christmas traditions. 

In a country where East and West meet, this is a fascinating and unmissable guide to capturing the spirit of one of the most important times of year and a powerful reminder of the strength of holding on to your culture and beliefs, even as others try to take everything from you.

The Publisher is making a donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal on publication of this book.

A Ukrainian Christmas by Yaroslav Hrytsak and Nadiyka Gerbish was published on 3 November 2022 by Sphere Books in hardback. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy. 

This beautiful illustrated book introduces readers to the culture, traditions, reflections and celebrations of the Ukrainian people during Christmas. Originally published in 2020 in Ukraine, to immediate acclaim, this English language version includes a new Foreword written by the authors following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022.

This is an absolutely glorious book, from the embossed hardback cover to the stunning illustrations inside, it is the perfect way to learn more about the Ukrainian culture, and especially about how they celebrate Christmas. 

Here are just three examples of the wonderful illustrations that are featured throughout the book.

The audio edition is narrated by actor Juliet Stevenson. 

This really is a wonderful book, one to treasure, one to gift and one to share and learn from 

Yaroslav Hrytsak is a Ukrainian historian and public intellectual. Professor of the Ukrainian Catholic University and Honorary Professor of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Professor Hrytsak has taught at Columbia and Harvard Universities and was a guest lecturer at the Central European University in Budapest. He is the author of many historical books, including several bestsellers and the recipient of numerous national and international awards and has written opinion pieces for many publications including The Times, the New York Times and Time Magazine.

Nadiyka Gerbish is a Ukrainian writer, podcaster, and Riggins Rights Management European rights director. She has written nineteen books, many of which have become bestsellers and have won numerous awards. A number of Nadiyka's children's books are studied in schools in Ukraine and have been published in braille and audiobook.