The Ukrainians: Unexpected Nation

by Andrew Wilson

As in many postcommunist states, politics in Ukraine revolves around the issue of national identity. Ukrainian nationalists see themselves as one of the world's oldest and most civilized peoples, as "older brothers" to the younger Russian culture. Yet Ukraine became independent only in 1991, and Ukrainians often feel like a minority in their own country, where Russian is still the main language heard on the streets of the capital, Kiev. This book is a comprehensive guide to modern Ukraine and to the versions of its past propagated by both Russians and Ukrainians. Andrew Wilson provides the most acute, informed, and up-to-date account available of the Ukrainians and their country.

Concentrating on the complex relation between Ukraine and Russia, the book begins with the myth of common origin in the early medieval era, then looks closely at the Ukrainian experience under the tsars and Soviets, the experience of minorities in the country, and the path to independence in 1991. Wilson also considers the history of Ukraine since 1991 and the continuing disputes over identity, culture, and religion. He examines the economic collapse under the first president, Leonid Kravchuk, and the attempts at recovery under his successor, Leonid Kuchma. Wilson explores the conflicts in Ukrainian society between the country's Eurasian roots and its Western aspirations, as well as the significance of the presidential election of November 1999.

About the Author:

Andrew Wilson is lecturer in Ukrainian studies at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College, London.

Genres: History, Ukraine, Nonfiction, Russia, Politics, Historical, European History

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2000

About the author

Andrew Wilson is reader in Ukrainian studies at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College, London.

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I love history, I get all excited about history books, especially about this part of the world. But I even found myself counting the number of pages till the end of some of the chapters. Its a deep inspection of Ukraine, which is great, but its also at time boring for people who love this subject, which may make it hard for someone who is not as interested to start reading it.

[Becca Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a particularly fascinating read in light of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Is it possible the invasion will forge a solid Ukrainian identity? That can hardly be Putin’s goal, but given how Ukraine has fought back it is a real possibility.

[Claire Baxter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't able to finish it. There were some interesting nuggets in there but the writing is just too academic and even the binding of the book made it difficult to read. Going to try Serhii Plokhy instead.

[Doug Lewars · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Possible Spoilers ***

Although I quite liked this book there are a number of caveats you should consider before diving in.

It's a very long book. If you want to read it prepare to spend a month or more unless you have more than an hour per day free time for reading.

It's in a number of editions and the author kept adding on to the end as new things developed. As a result, the latter chapters tended to be a bit choppy.

Some people have criticized the author for his academic approach to the subject. This is true, the book is written in an academic manner; however, I regarded that as a plus more than a minus. Depending on how factual you like history books, you may or may not like this one.

If you happen to be a writer of fantasy novels this author unintentionally provides a master class in world building. In addition, as you begin to get closer to the end, he illustrates how to develop intrigue and conspiracy in your work. And in this case, he's drawing on real life.

I do recommend the book and I think I gained an appreciation for the complexity of the situation in the Ukraine but it is long and a bit dry in places.

[Scott Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook) Now published under the title “The Ukrainians, New Edition: the Story of How a People Became a Nation, this work looks at the complex and evolving history between Russia and Ukraine as the nation and people sought and continue to seek their own identity as a nation and people. It covers older Ukrainian history, but will constantly reference to points where Russia and Ukraine interacted and where those interactions did much to define Ukraine.

The original work focused on the turn of the century (21st), as Ukraine and Russia still sought order in a post-Soviet world. However, more editions are out there, to include the most recent one that covers the 2022 Russian invasion in Ukraine. The story is far from over, as Ukraine seeks to defend its land, but also seeks to redefine itself in the future.

A good overall history, but some of the more modern additions don’t flow as well as the original history parts (pre-2002). Still, a good resource for those wanting to learn about the history of Ukraine and its standing vis-a-vis Russia.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting history of the Ukrainian people and nation, throughout all the turmoil and difficulties of not only the twentieth century but before that too. His scope (from antiquity to the present, post-Soviet Ukraine: one half of the book is dedicated to post 1991 Ukraine)is far-reaching and well-researched. One of its greatest merit lies in that it offers an "outsider's" perspective to the traditional approaches to Ukrainian history - either a strongly nationalistic one or a "Russocentric" one. Much detail is also given on the possible futures of the Ukraine and its people; it is definitely a book to read to further one's knowledge about this long-misunderstood and little-known (despite its key roles in European history) country.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilson's assessment of identity in Ukraine often matched my own experiences here. The first chapters are somewhat dry, especially for anyone without a scholarly interest in identity politics, but the later sections are fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on politics since independence. There was a point in my reading where I stopped and thought to myself, "Wow, I live in a state where kleptokrats routinely jossle for control of the political apparatus and related goods/resources. How about that?" Am looking forward to getting my hands on Wilson's Orange Revolution.

[Sjonni · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me gasp from joy: ahahahahahah! Everything about Ukraine's history, its myths, its truths, its lies, its all n all. A wondrous exposé of everything you want to know. The treatment is pretty fair towards Russia which is not needlessly critizised throughout but the approach is pro-Ukraine at the core. Therefore, if you entertain pro-Ukraine sentiments in your heart of hearts, this is a book designed to make you have a good good time. Expensive (1100 руб, дом книги) but printed on fancy paper.

[Masha Luka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book that is not monological, but trying to give a voice to Ukrainians and Russians as well instead of solely depicting Russia as a devil.Very balanced and objective view on the history of Ukraine.

[Jason Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting overview of the history of Ukraine; the idea and its people. There were some parts that were overly detailed and dry but on the whole a very good overview.

[Sic Transit Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It is no exaggeration to that the Maintenace of this relationship [between Ukraine and Russia] is the key to the future of the whole of Eastern Europe."

An obvious truth after 2022, but Andrew Wilson penned this line in 2000, only 9 years after the inception of Ukraine as a nation and 14 years before open conflict between Ukraine and Russia. That's how you can tell this was written by an expert.

By an expert, and mostly for experts. Be warned, layperson: this book contains valuable context for current events, but it is couched in academic organization and expectation of historical proficiency. It's difficult to piece together the message. (No, he's not talking about the Galicia in Spain!)

Still, if you can parse the incredibly dense writing, you can glean a lot of interesting and useful context. There's a reason Putin rambled for an hour about the ancient nation of Rus, Russia, and the Soviet Union. This book explains all that and more.

[Tony Wohlfarth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked up this book to discover more about the Ukraine. A big mistake.
The first six chapters are almost unreadable. An academic treatise about events in history which are irrelevant today. Unexpectedly, the book then changes gears from 1917 to 1991. I found this segue bizarre , as the author skips over the most formative parts of Ukrainian history e.g. World War II. Why, I wondered? So I reached out to the author to ask this question? (Wilson is now with the European Council on Foreign Relations). No reply. So here is my take.......Ukraine is a polyglot of cultures and religions - including Judiasm (which Wilson ignores). Its history is best told by examining the Holocaust, Babi Yar, The Orange Revolution, and the Maidan protests. Nothing unexpexted here. Don't bother reading this book. You won't learn anything here.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful information, and some the history is presented clearly and informatively. The book is heavy on the recent history, but does a decent job with covering the history (1980s - 2000) and national myths of Ukraine. Unfortunately, large sections, especially in the middle and the end, are hardly readable and the author tries to deconstruct every thought or angle of a person or event to the point of eliminating practical use.

[Howard Frisk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of Ukraine is very different than that of Russia. Although the two countries share many characteristics, the Ukrainian people definitely have their own distinct identity, and this book helps you to understand the how and why.

I spent some time in Ukraine after the Orange Revolution, and this book helped me understand the people and the country.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with another review that this book is way too academic (each chapter wraps with a "in conclusion" summary) and while at times has some interesting facts, suffers from focusing on very small details when trying to tell an overarching story.

[Valur Gunnarsson]

One of the best books about Ukraine available in English

[Ken Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

[20 Apr 2022] An easy read that will give you all you need to know about the history, people and culture of Ukraine, unfortunately out of date.

[Jonathan Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive, could use a few dozen less pages about 17th century religious squabbles

[Dugy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilson, as usual, on the point. Well researched albeit at time boring.

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This highly detailed history has brought the current situation into better perspective. Now I understand how and why Putin took Crimea; it was almost predictable, given the history. Ukraine is a nation of dueling dichotomies!

[Yoko Nemchinova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good review of the forming of a nation and the underlying problems involved

[Taras · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in a great history of Ukraine.

[Autumn Kotsiuba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, just already a little outdated