WANDERLIST: Ten famous novels set in Kharkiv

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  • “The White Guard” by Mikhail Bulgakov: Set during the Russian Revolution, this novel follows the Turbin family in their struggle to adapt to rapidly changing political and social dynamics in Kharkiv.
  • “The Train” by Vasyl Slapeta: Set in World War II, this novel tells the story of a group of Ukrainian partisans who sabotage Nazi operations in and around Kharkiv.
  • “The Last Judgment” by Vasyl Barka: This novel explores the life of a young artist who becomes embroiled in the political unrest and ideological conflicts of 1960s Kharkiv.
  • “Kharkiv Karnival” by Vladimir Bovsunenko: Combining elements of magical realism, this novel portrays a fantastical carnival that comes alive in Kharkiv every night, revealing the dreams and desires of its inhabitants.
  • “Underground” by Serhiy Zhadan: Set in modern-day Kharkiv, this novel delves into the lives of its underground music scene, exploring themes of identity, rebellion, and survival.
  • “Twilight of the Eastern Gods” by Ismail Kadare: Based on the author’s own experiences, this semi-autobiographical novel follows a young Albanian writer studying in Kharkiv under the Soviet regime.
  • “The Ukrainians: Unexpected Nation” by Andrew Wilson: While not a novel per se, this historical account explores the complex history and identity of the Ukrainian people, with Kharkiv being a significant setting.
  • “The Path of the Needle” by Andrey Kurkov: Set against the backdrop of post-Soviet Ukraine, this detective novel follows a journalist who investigates a series of mysterious deaths and encounters the shady underworld of Kharkiv.
  • “The Good Angel of Kharkiv” by Joanne Harris: This novel intertwines several narratives, including a boxer and a café owner, to capture the spirit of Kharkiv and its inhabitants, highlighting themes of love, redemption, and forgiveness.
  • “Before and After” by Atz Kilcher: Providing a personal account of the author’s life, this memoir recounts his experiences growing up in Kharkiv during World War II and afterward, reflecting on the city’s transformation over time.
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