Letters of the Alphabet Go to War

by Lesyk Panasiuk, Ilya Kaminsky (translator), Katie Farris (translator)

From internationally renowned poets and translators Katie Farris and Ilya Kaminsky arrives this remarkable translation of Lesyk Panasiuk’s account of living in Bucha, Ukraine, during the apex of war and brutality at the hands of the Russian military. 

Genres: Poetry

Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2025

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This chapbook of Ukrainian verse by poet Lesyk Panasiuk explores the heartbreaking realities of the Ukrainian-Russian war. Stark, industrial imagery serves as the backdrop for an aching new century in Eastern Europe, marked by the chaos and devastation of the Russian invasion. Panasiuk's poems delve into themes of fractured language, the suppression of the arts under war, and the irrevocable changes to daily life. Yet, amidst the harshness of these horrors, his lyrical and melancholy tone offers moments of transcendence. A sparse but carefully curated collection of vignettes provides a poignant window into the destruction of life, property, and safety. I highly recommend this powerful chapbook—slim in size but immense in impact.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this ARC.