A Ukrainian Dictionary of War - (Lost Horse Press Contemporary Ukrainian Poetry) by Ostap Slyvynsky (Paperback)

About the Book

In 2022, poet Ostap Slyvynsky undertook the role of wartime lexicographer, carefully collecting and compiling a dictionary of witness to Russia's invasion and war against Ukraine. Among the voices represented are those forced to leave their homes and venture into the unknown, aid volunteers, medics, social activists, and artists.

Book Synopsis

In 2022, poet Ostap Slyvynsky undertook the role of wartime lexicographer, carefully collecting and compiling a dictionary of witness to Russia's invasion and war against Ukraine. Among the voices represented in A Ukrainian Dictionary of War are those who were forced to leave their homes and venture into the unknown, aid volunteers, medics, social activists, and artists. All very different people connected by the experience that war has appeared in their lives. Presented in a dual-language format, this volume showcases the Ukrainian language and its alphabet. Part of the Russian Federation's attack on Ukraine is an attack on its language. Despite efforts to the contrary, Ukrainian has grown in recognition and use, which this dictionary further extends to interested readers.

Review Quotes

". . . This book speaks deeply about how war becomes a fact of life. About how "there are some things the heart can no longer take" (Vika from Mariupol, Cherry Plum Tree). It captures together both the very private, idiosyncratic reactions of individuals alongside the splinters of history from the first days and weeks of the full-scale invasion--when death attacked from the sky, sea, and land. . . ."

--Iryna Starovoyt