Our Daily War

This is a new book. Condition: Brand New.

'For centuries, attempts have been made to force Ukrainians to forget their native language, to stop singing Ukrainian songs and to abandon their history. For almost 400 years, Russia has been fighting against Ukrainian identity.'

Ten years on from the annexation of Crimea, two years on from Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian people continue to fight back. In the second volume of his war diaries, Andrey Kurkov gives a fresh perspective on a people for whom resistance and solidarity have become a matter of survival.

Our Daily War is a chronological record of the heterogeneous mix that comprises Ukrainian life and thought in the teeth of Russian aggression, from the constant stress of air raids, the deportation of citizens from the occupied regions and the whispers of governmental corruption to Christmas celebrations, crowdfunding and the recipe for a 'trench candle'.

Kurkov's human's-eye view on the war in Ukraine is by turns bitingly satirical, tragic, humorous and heartfelt. It is also, in the manner of Pepys, an invaluable insight into the history, politics and culture of Ukraine. Our Daily War is the ideal primer for anyone who would like to know what life is like in that country today.

'A vivid, moving and sometimes funny account of the reality of life during Russia's invasion.' - Marc Bennetts, The Times

'Thoughtfulness nearly always prevails over anger; the pieces are flawlessly structured; the tone is devoid of self-pity.' - Robin Ashenden, Spectator

'Andrey Kurkov [is] one of the most articulate ambassadors to the West for the situation in his homeland.' - Sam Leith, Spectator

'A thoughtful and humane memoir by one of Ukraine's most prominent living authors.' - Simon Caterson, Sydney Morning Herald

'Kurkov's diaries...make the early days of the war vivid for the reader...Here are the kind of stories you don't see on the television news.' - Rachel Cooke, Observer

'It is little wonder...Kurkov, known for his keen eye for the absurdities of life, would pack his diary of the war with fascinating and eccentric details.' - Megan Gibson, New Statesman

Book details and technical specifications

Format: Paperback / softback
ISBN13: 9781916788787
Published: August 2025

Number of pages: 368
Width: 129 mm
Height: 198 mm
Depth: not specified

Publisher: Open Borders Press