Borys Antonenko-Davydovych

This book was not written to have likeable characters or a rip roaring story line it's supposed to make you think. It tells the experiences of Horobenko a Ukrainian Communist who is struggling and often failing to push down his strong national sentiments.

This is certainly not the genre I normally read so I may not be able to appreciate it as much as others but I wanted to challenge myself to read tougher literature that is connected to my Ukrainian heritage. Even though I read a translation it was clear that the author is a skilled writer and with just a few words he was able to describe - so that it felt like you were there - the places and people that Horobenko meet. The mental battles Horobenko has with himself are also skilfully written.

In the end, I can't personally rate it higher than 3 because I just couldn't like Horobenko because of his actions. I think if we met the feeling would mutual, fortunately for us, that won't ever happen.… (mehr)