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Ukraine: Petite histoire d'une longue guerre avec la Russie
Це мальопис про нашу довгу війну з росією. За роки повномасштабної війни з’явилося чимало історій, зокрема графічних, де про нашу війну говорять іноземці. Але в цій війні живемо ми. І нам було важливо розповісти про неї самим. Щоб і ми, й іноземці побачили її нашими очима, про те, як ми її відчуваємо.
Перед вами — нагадування про те, що з історичної точки зору, війни ніколи не бувають простими історіями, але з особистої точки зору, це просте питання — житиму я чи ні? Історичний контекст російсько-української війни, від Середньовіччя до сучасної України підкреслює тривалу природу конфлікту, його політичне коріння та паралелі в часі.
І звісно цей мальопис про наше життя зараз, бо за кожним конфліктом стоять реальні люди з реальними історіями, назавжди зміненими хаосом війни.
Перед вами — нагадування про те, що з історичної точки зору, війни ніколи не бувають простими історіями, але з особистої точки зору, це просте питання — житиму я чи ні? Історичний контекст російсько-української війни, від Середньовіччя до сучасної України підкреслює тривалу природу конфлікту, його політичне коріння та паралелі в часі.
І звісно цей мальопис про наше життя зараз, бо за кожним конфліктом стоять реальні люди з реальними історіями, назавжди зміненими хаосом війни.
104 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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May 2, 2025Комікс-коротке пояснення спроб Росії знищити Україну - від заборон української мови до Голодомору й нинішнього етапу війни + пояснення якихось реалій нашого сучасного життя (штибу існування комендантської години). Українці (крім, можливо, дуже юних українців) навряд чи дізнаються тут щось нове, бо це дуже стислий виклад вікіпедійного рівня - але можуть насолоджуватися прекрасним малюнком, Юлія Вус і Іван Кипібіда дивовижний мальописний дует! Натомість це прекрасний подарунок для тих ваших друзів-іноземців, які не стежать за новинами, якщо особисто у вас у цей момент уже немає сил пояснювати все спочатку і показувати всі свої болючі емоції. Книжка вже вийшла англійською, куплені права на ще скількись європейських мов, тож завдяки ній багато українців зможуть заощадити собі нерви, не вдаючись у зайві пояснення самотужки!
Отут у твіттері я англійською пояснювала, чим ця книжка класна, з ілюстраціями якраз з англомовного видання.
Отут у твіттері я англійською пояснювала, чим ця книжка класна, з ілюстраціями якраз з англомовного видання.
June 16, 2025
«коротка історія довгої війни» наводить правило двох стін, розповідає про бомбосховища й дуже базово пояснює про русь, знищення січі, заборони української мови, розстріляне відродження, голодомор, отруєння ющенка й революцію гідності. основний raison d’être цієї книжки — бути першим знайомством із контекстами цієї війни для іноземців, і я дуже сподіваюся, що в перекладах вона читабельна. українські ж тексти, на жаль, написані зубодробильним канцеляритом (який теж насправді наслідок спроб як не знищити, то скалічити нашу мову, хоча ми про нього рідко думаємо в цьому контексті). зате мальовка гарна, можна просто роздивлятися мальовку.
May 11, 2025
Просто хочеться вручити цей мальопис усім іноземцям. Ця книжка не для українців, ми це все знаємо, але однаково вона чудово і доступно написана і проілюстрована. Дякую Маріам Найем та Юлії Вус за цю роботу!
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July 13, 2025Мальовка красива, тема важлива, а от у змісті нюансів трохи забракло
August 27, 2025
Дуже гарна книга, не можливо стримати сліз проглядаючи історію. Мальопис показує яка тяжка доля випала українському народові і які сміливі і круті люди виплекалися в цьому полум'ї. Дуже прикро за кілька одруків які є в книзі, сподіваюсь їх виправлять в наступному накладі, бо цю книгу хотілося б дарувати всім та поширювати за кордоном. Неймовірна робота Маріам щоб виокремити важливе, надихнути але і не ідеалізувати чи перебільшувати. Гарні ілюстрації, все дуже доречно.
November 23, 2025
What a day to finish this book, a book saturated in the iconic Orange of Ukraine's resistance movements, as the US's orange coward suggests ceding parts of the Donbas that Russia would need four years to even hope to control. This book was written while the whole West still stood with Ukraine--a short time ago that feels like a long time indeed--but its message of stalwart resistance to oppression still rings true.
The intersection of the current conflict and the historical underpinnings it rests upon are complemented in this work by evocative artwork that enlivens both. The Russian propagandist shouting from inside a drowning matryoshka was just one of many beautiful metaphors. Each page is a fully encapsulated work of art, with each panel purposefully placed and intersecting with a larger backdrop. The only downside to this eaxh-page-as-tableau stype is that when viewed as full two-page spreads, the art is sometimes less connected.
Even if you, like me, have read Snyder's "Road to Unfreedom" twice, there will still be something new here, even if it's simply renewed hope for this embattled country in a time when it very much needs outside support.
Many, many thanks to NetGalley for this eARC.
The intersection of the current conflict and the historical underpinnings it rests upon are complemented in this work by evocative artwork that enlivens both. The Russian propagandist shouting from inside a drowning matryoshka was just one of many beautiful metaphors. Each page is a fully encapsulated work of art, with each panel purposefully placed and intersecting with a larger backdrop. The only downside to this eaxh-page-as-tableau stype is that when viewed as full two-page spreads, the art is sometimes less connected.
Even if you, like me, have read Snyder's "Road to Unfreedom" twice, there will still be something new here, even if it's simply renewed hope for this embattled country in a time when it very much needs outside support.
Many, many thanks to NetGalley for this eARC.
October 6, 2025
Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of A Brief History of a Long War from Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press | Ten Speed Graphic via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Trigger Warnings: war violence, genocide, famine, civilian deaths, air raids
In 2023, my husband and I traveled to Bosnia, visiting many war sites and memorials. The experience left me shaken by both the resiliency of the people and the cruelty of those who commit and deny genocide. When I opened A Brief History of a Long War, Mariam Naiem’s depiction of Ukrainians crouching behind two walls to protect themselves from air raids brought me right back to that visceral reality. This beautifully illustrated graphic history is both heartbreaking and vital, a reminder that stories of survival and resistance deserve to be seen, studied, and remembered.
Naiem presents centuries of Ukrainian struggle with a straightforward and accessible voice that connects on both intellectual and emotional levels. The historical scope is impressive, covering linguistic persecution, the Holodomor, and today’s invasion, yet the structure keeps the focus personal and humane. The art by Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida is exceptional, with color choices that heighten the mood, haunting juxtapositions of history and present-day devastation, and striking symbolism that stays with you. While some font sizes were difficult to read, it was a small concern in an otherwise extraordinary work.
This graphic novel stands alongside Maus and Persepolis as a crucial visual study of oppression, identity, and endurance. It is a powerful short introduction to the conflict, enough to spark curiosity, outrage, and compassion in equal measure. I have already preordered the hardcover, and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone interested in nonfiction graphic storytelling or modern history.
Trigger Warnings: war violence, genocide, famine, civilian deaths, air raids
In 2023, my husband and I traveled to Bosnia, visiting many war sites and memorials. The experience left me shaken by both the resiliency of the people and the cruelty of those who commit and deny genocide. When I opened A Brief History of a Long War, Mariam Naiem’s depiction of Ukrainians crouching behind two walls to protect themselves from air raids brought me right back to that visceral reality. This beautifully illustrated graphic history is both heartbreaking and vital, a reminder that stories of survival and resistance deserve to be seen, studied, and remembered.
Naiem presents centuries of Ukrainian struggle with a straightforward and accessible voice that connects on both intellectual and emotional levels. The historical scope is impressive, covering linguistic persecution, the Holodomor, and today’s invasion, yet the structure keeps the focus personal and humane. The art by Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida is exceptional, with color choices that heighten the mood, haunting juxtapositions of history and present-day devastation, and striking symbolism that stays with you. While some font sizes were difficult to read, it was a small concern in an otherwise extraordinary work.
This graphic novel stands alongside Maus and Persepolis as a crucial visual study of oppression, identity, and endurance. It is a powerful short introduction to the conflict, enough to spark curiosity, outrage, and compassion in equal measure. I have already preordered the hardcover, and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone interested in nonfiction graphic storytelling or modern history.
November 17, 2025
A Brief History of a Long War is a powerful and visually stunning introduction to Ukraine’s centuries-long struggle against Russian domination. Mariam Naiem weaves historical clarity with emotional depth, guiding readers from medieval roots to the current war with remarkable precision and compassion. The illustrations by Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida enrich the narrative, offering a vivid and humanizing lens on moments of resilience, loss, and cultural survival. It’s a book that explains not only the facts of history but the lived experience behind them.
As a teacher, I found this graphic history especially valuable. Its accessible storytelling and striking artwork make complex geopolitical issues understandable for high school students, while also giving them the opportunity to hear directly from Ukrainian perspectives—voices that are too often overlooked. I would gladly use this book in class to spark meaningful conversations about identity, resistance, and the long shadow of imperialism. It’s engaging, informative, and deeply affecting—a resource I highly recommend!
A copy of this book was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As a teacher, I found this graphic history especially valuable. Its accessible storytelling and striking artwork make complex geopolitical issues understandable for high school students, while also giving them the opportunity to hear directly from Ukrainian perspectives—voices that are too often overlooked. I would gladly use this book in class to spark meaningful conversations about identity, resistance, and the long shadow of imperialism. It’s engaging, informative, and deeply affecting—a resource I highly recommend!
A copy of this book was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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May 2, 2025Готуюся, скажімо, писати есей про взаємовплив індивідуальності та ідеології, тож залишу кілька міркувань, які, може, будуть цікаві комусь, крім мене.
Ігнорувати політичний контекст - теж політичний вибір, коріння якого може бути отруйним, бо залежить від глибини самоусвідомлення та розуміння історичних процесів і тонких маніпуляцій (тонкість яких часто забезпечена недвозначним вливанням мільярдів грошей (і з не менш прямолінійною метою), про які справжні митці не люблять говорити (сумна іронія в тому, що це переважно справді так), тому вони часто залишаються невидимими), що впливають і на смак, і на формування того, що називають індивідуальністю. Урешті-решт усе зводиться до того, яку ідеологію захищати, усвідомлено чи ні, а сила особистості може вимірюватися глибиною самоусвідомлення і тим, чим людина ризикує заради свого вибору, або радше виборів, і деякі можуть збігатися з мейнстримом, а деякі - ні, і сам цей збіг не заперечує і не підтверджує автентичність, правильність, глибину і т. п.
Ну і щоб моя внутрішня естетка не змерзла від похолодань, які обіцяють з наступного тижня, підкину дрів для дружніх міркувань з допису на фейсбуці знайомого філософа V. Chorniy, що написав його ще 24 лютого 2022:
Fundamental political beliefs should be the least complex and interesting aspect of ourselves. They are crude, straightforward, unequivocal, and, therefore, massively dividing. That said, once accepted, they are relatively immune to revision and serve as a prerequisite for any meaningful discussion. Rather than lacking nuance or context, they simply do not require any.
In the early hours of February 24th 2022, Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine. There are no “sides” to it. You can either endorse a foreign invasion of a sovereign country or condemn it. It is not that complicated.
Ігнорувати політичний контекст - теж політичний вибір, коріння якого може бути отруйним, бо залежить від глибини самоусвідомлення та розуміння історичних процесів і тонких маніпуляцій (тонкість яких часто забезпечена недвозначним вливанням мільярдів грошей (і з не менш прямолінійною метою), про які справжні митці не люблять говорити (сумна іронія в тому, що це переважно справді так), тому вони часто залишаються невидимими), що впливають і на смак, і на формування того, що називають індивідуальністю. Урешті-решт усе зводиться до того, яку ідеологію захищати, усвідомлено чи ні, а сила особистості може вимірюватися глибиною самоусвідомлення і тим, чим людина ризикує заради свого вибору, або радше виборів, і деякі можуть збігатися з мейнстримом, а деякі - ні, і сам цей збіг не заперечує і не підтверджує автентичність, правильність, глибину і т. п.
Ну і щоб моя внутрішня естетка не змерзла від похолодань, які обіцяють з наступного тижня, підкину дрів для дружніх міркувань з допису на фейсбуці знайомого філософа V. Chorniy, що написав його ще 24 лютого 2022:
Fundamental political beliefs should be the least complex and interesting aspect of ourselves. They are crude, straightforward, unequivocal, and, therefore, massively dividing. That said, once accepted, they are relatively immune to revision and serve as a prerequisite for any meaningful discussion. Rather than lacking nuance or context, they simply do not require any.
In the early hours of February 24th 2022, Russia launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine. There are no “sides” to it. You can either endorse a foreign invasion of a sovereign country or condemn it. It is not that complicated.
June 4, 2025
Як на мене формат коміксу ідеальний, щоб передати читачеві важкі теми зрозумілою мовою та швидко ввести в курс складної теми, тому "Коротка історія довгої війни" чудово справляється з цим завданням.
May 25, 2025
Це дуже важливий мальопис, назва якого, власне, повністю його описує. Тішуся, що його вже перекладають і видають багато де закордоном, щоби люди ззовні нашої бульбашки мали більше уявлення про передумови того жаху, у якому ми зараз живемо; про те, що це не війна одного божевільного диктатора, а послідовна політика нищення українців. Та що тут лукавити, для багатьох українців цей невеликий комікс теж може трошки відкрити очі чи допомогти впорядкувати деякі факти й події в голові. Події сьогодення вміло переплетені з історичними подіями, збіса гарні ілюстрації, влучні тексти, навіть великодка у вигляді двох відомих кумів 😅
Якщо в мене колись будуть діти, то обовʼязково лишу для них цю історію в особистій бібліотеці 🧡
Якщо в мене колись будуть діти, то обовʼязково лишу для них цю історію в особистій бібліотеці 🧡
October 21, 2025
Short and hits all of the main points of Ukrainian history. It is a great gift for anyone interested to start learning more about Ukrainian history. illustrations are beautiful, detailed and cohesive. I will probably be buying additional copies to gift to friends.
October 29, 2025
Mariam Naiem’s A Brief History of a Long War is not simply a timeline; it is a visual argument for the enduring, contested identity of Ukraine. Presented as a graphic novel, this work achieves something rare for modern conflict analysis: it delivers centuries of dense, painful history with the immediacy of lived experience and the stunning clarity of high art.
The narrative structure itself is lyrical. It grounds the reader in the present day—following a modern Ukrainian as she takes shelter from an air raid—and then uses that present-day threat as a lens through which to view the long echo of the past. The war of 2022 is not treated as a rupture, but as the inevitable culmination of centuries of Russian imperial policy, cultural suppression, and political denial.
Naiem and the illustration team (Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida) masterfully weave together historical epochs. We move seamlessly from the destruction of the Cossack Sich in the 18th century to the prohibitions on the Ukrainian language, and from the engineered famine of the Holodomor to the poisoned politics of the post-Soviet era. There is no whitewashing here; the historical facts—including difficult internal complexities, like the actions of Bohdan Khmelnytsky—are presented with an unflinching but balanced sobriety.
This is where the format truly shines. Complex geopolitical dynamics and mass trauma—such as the systematic destruction of Ukrainian intellectual life during the "Executed Renaissance"—are translated into evocative, often emotionally charged visual spreads. The art becomes a universal language for the specifics of the Ukrainian struggle, turning dry footnotes of history into stark, memorable images of defiance and grief.
For many in the West, this book will be a necessary, if late, education. It effectively dismantles the pervasive myth of a shared, benevolent Soviet past and replaces it with the reality of continuous, deliberate imperial aggression. A Brief History of a Long War is a volume to be read not just for information, but for the profound authenticity of its perspective. It is a powerful testament that a nation's history, when told in its own voice and with its own colors, is the true frontline of its defense.
The narrative structure itself is lyrical. It grounds the reader in the present day—following a modern Ukrainian as she takes shelter from an air raid—and then uses that present-day threat as a lens through which to view the long echo of the past. The war of 2022 is not treated as a rupture, but as the inevitable culmination of centuries of Russian imperial policy, cultural suppression, and political denial.
Naiem and the illustration team (Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida) masterfully weave together historical epochs. We move seamlessly from the destruction of the Cossack Sich in the 18th century to the prohibitions on the Ukrainian language, and from the engineered famine of the Holodomor to the poisoned politics of the post-Soviet era. There is no whitewashing here; the historical facts—including difficult internal complexities, like the actions of Bohdan Khmelnytsky—are presented with an unflinching but balanced sobriety.
This is where the format truly shines. Complex geopolitical dynamics and mass trauma—such as the systematic destruction of Ukrainian intellectual life during the "Executed Renaissance"—are translated into evocative, often emotionally charged visual spreads. The art becomes a universal language for the specifics of the Ukrainian struggle, turning dry footnotes of history into stark, memorable images of defiance and grief.
For many in the West, this book will be a necessary, if late, education. It effectively dismantles the pervasive myth of a shared, benevolent Soviet past and replaces it with the reality of continuous, deliberate imperial aggression. A Brief History of a Long War is a volume to be read not just for information, but for the profound authenticity of its perspective. It is a powerful testament that a nation's history, when told in its own voice and with its own colors, is the true frontline of its defense.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An incredible first entry for the author (at least where books are concerned). The artwork is also lovely, with a clear difference between modern day panels and panels from history (Holodomor, the Cossacks, Kyivan Rus' to name a few). There is very little in this book I actually didn't already know (though I personally know the most about the Holodomor, then Cossacks, then Kyivan Rus').
It is similar to books like "Peremoha", "Lower Your Sights", and "Red Harvest: A Graphic Novel of the Terror Famine in Soviet Ukraine".
Friends of mine are 'stuck' in Ukraine (read: they won't leave). But I am not. I am here, in the diaspora, desperately trying to get people to educate themselves about Ukraine. I imagine the Russo-Ukrainian War and diaspora helplessness is almost exactly how diasporic Ukrainians felt during the Holodomor (which is actually touched on very briefly in the book about the diaspora trying to send aid and it getting stopped at the border or, more likely if we are to be honest, stolen.
The war started on my birthday. I will never forget exactly where I was when my yellow-blue (half-Ukrainian) blood froze: I was getting home from my birthday dinner to news "russia invades Ukraine". And since then I've felt like I'm slowly going insane trying to get people to care, to listen, to read about us, about Ukraine. (Although of course russia had already invaded other parts of what is and has been Ukraine, this invasion in 2022 meant the "hot' war.) This is a good weapon in the repertoire. As the Doctor (Who) once said: Books! Best weapons in the world!
The tying up of previous pages at the end of the book was a nice touch. As well as the distinct note of hope that this will end. And end soon.
Слава Україні. Героям слава. Slava Ukraini. Heroyam Slava.
Notes-
Note 1: I was not paid for this review. A copy of this book was provided free of charge from Ten Speed Press, under their Ten Speed Graphic division. дякую. Thank you!
Note 2 : Not capitalizing the R in russia is a deliberate, small act of solidarity with Ukraine and rebellion against the russian Empire. If russia won't respect Ukraine's right to exist as an independent country, free of bullies, and other threats, then we won't respect their right to being a proper noun.
It is similar to books like "Peremoha", "Lower Your Sights", and "Red Harvest: A Graphic Novel of the Terror Famine in Soviet Ukraine".
Friends of mine are 'stuck' in Ukraine (read: they won't leave). But I am not. I am here, in the diaspora, desperately trying to get people to educate themselves about Ukraine. I imagine the Russo-Ukrainian War and diaspora helplessness is almost exactly how diasporic Ukrainians felt during the Holodomor (which is actually touched on very briefly in the book about the diaspora trying to send aid and it getting stopped at the border or, more likely if we are to be honest, stolen.
The war started on my birthday. I will never forget exactly where I was when my yellow-blue (half-Ukrainian) blood froze: I was getting home from my birthday dinner to news "russia invades Ukraine". And since then I've felt like I'm slowly going insane trying to get people to care, to listen, to read about us, about Ukraine. (Although of course russia had already invaded other parts of what is and has been Ukraine, this invasion in 2022 meant the "hot' war.) This is a good weapon in the repertoire. As the Doctor (Who) once said: Books! Best weapons in the world!
The tying up of previous pages at the end of the book was a nice touch. As well as the distinct note of hope that this will end. And end soon.
Слава Україні. Героям слава. Slava Ukraini. Heroyam Slava.
Notes-
Note 1: I was not paid for this review. A copy of this book was provided free of charge from Ten Speed Press, under their Ten Speed Graphic division. дякую. Thank you!
Note 2 : Not capitalizing the R in russia is a deliberate, small act of solidarity with Ukraine and rebellion against the russian Empire. If russia won't respect Ukraine's right to exist as an independent country, free of bullies, and other threats, then we won't respect their right to being a proper noun.
August 15, 2025
An extremely important book/visual history that contextualizes the current war within the long Ukrainian history. Since Western general knowledge about the history of the region was historically influenced through Soviet/Russian imperial propaganda (throughout the whole 20th century, i.e. by framing Kievan Rus as directly connected to Moscow), it is necessary to have authors, historians, and voices that present the Ukrainian narrative. This graphic novel fills a gap in reaching the general audience, including middle and high school students—in recent years, historians and scholars wrote academic books on the topic or gave lectures (i.e. Timothy Snyder's youtube series) but this is the first informative graphic novel I see and it has a potential to be accessible to wider audiences. Also, the text seems written in an objective manner, without whitewashing or propagandizing history — i.e. in the case of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the text acknowledges both his leadership for the Cossack people and the crimes&murders he committed against the Jewish population.
The visual side is GORGEOUS, with beautiful illustrations in which medieval, twentieth-century, and today's history are masterfully interwoven. It's a pleasure to look at and it's engaging. The typography, however, could be a little better (but I might be biased, since I was given an e-ARC and read the comic on my screen; printed version might be more clear) — often the text is very small and crumpled or presented in blocks, which is both uncomfortable and contrasts with the creativity/presentation of illustrations.
I thank netgalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for an advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review!
The visual side is GORGEOUS, with beautiful illustrations in which medieval, twentieth-century, and today's history are masterfully interwoven. It's a pleasure to look at and it's engaging. The typography, however, could be a little better (but I might be biased, since I was given an e-ARC and read the comic on my screen; printed version might be more clear) — often the text is very small and crumpled or presented in blocks, which is both uncomfortable and contrasts with the creativity/presentation of illustrations.
I thank netgalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for an advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review!
October 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Graphics for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Brief History of a Long War is a much-needed graphic history of Ukraine. Let’s face it, the western world only knows a portion of their history because of Russian/Soviet propaganda. I had a co-worker whose parents were Ukrainian immigrants to the United States and learned a little bit from her. Now, more than ever, people in the west should be learning this robust history.
This graphic history fills in all the missing pieces of Ukraine’s rich history, as well as how Russia has continuously offered aggression to try and take over the country. The lush illustrations are something to behold! There’s a lot of text, providing plenty of information as well as nuance of the troubles of Ukraine throughout the centuries. Basically, the Russians have been aggressive towards Ukraine for eons for strategic geographical reasons that appeals to the militaristic and oppressive way of the Russians. They have thought nothing about killing millions of Ukranians to get what they want. The particular font used for the text were sometimes hard to read, but as an e-ARC, I could just zoom in to follow the story.
I really don’t think this graphic history should be limited to just middle grade or young adults. I think grown-ups should be checking out this book, especially anyone who thinks Ukraine invaded Russia. Ever hear of propaganda? The Russians are experts at it. They have ALWAYS been the aggressor.
A Brief History of a Long War is a much-needed graphic history of Ukraine. Let’s face it, the western world only knows a portion of their history because of Russian/Soviet propaganda. I had a co-worker whose parents were Ukrainian immigrants to the United States and learned a little bit from her. Now, more than ever, people in the west should be learning this robust history.
This graphic history fills in all the missing pieces of Ukraine’s rich history, as well as how Russia has continuously offered aggression to try and take over the country. The lush illustrations are something to behold! There’s a lot of text, providing plenty of information as well as nuance of the troubles of Ukraine throughout the centuries. Basically, the Russians have been aggressive towards Ukraine for eons for strategic geographical reasons that appeals to the militaristic and oppressive way of the Russians. They have thought nothing about killing millions of Ukranians to get what they want. The particular font used for the text were sometimes hard to read, but as an e-ARC, I could just zoom in to follow the story.
I really don’t think this graphic history should be limited to just middle grade or young adults. I think grown-ups should be checking out this book, especially anyone who thinks Ukraine invaded Russia. Ever hear of propaganda? The Russians are experts at it. They have ALWAYS been the aggressor.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I really need to learn more about Ukrainian history, so this is a rating based solely on the information presented in this graphic novel, assuming that no relevant facts were added, left out, or altered. (Which, to be honest, is unlikely, as this graphic novel is of clear propagandistic nature, as well - which is not inherently a bad thing and fully understandable considering the ongoing invasion and war.)
This is a pretty accessible introduction to Ukrainian history and especially its history with the Russian Empire, introducing both the historical legacy of various groups of modern Ukraine (such as the Kyivan Rus, the Cossacks...), as well as events in recent history shaped both by these legacies and by Russian imperial policies. Each relevant period/event is given some pages and then contextualised in wider Ukrainian history and its effect today. I'd say this is a good introduction for someone not familiar with Ukrainian history, especially if they also are not the type to read a lot (or a lot of nonfiction, specifically), but it definitely lacks depth, which is understandable in this format.
I really need to learn more about Ukrainian history, so this is a rating based solely on the information presented in this graphic novel, assuming that no relevant facts were added, left out, or altered. (Which, to be honest, is unlikely, as this graphic novel is of clear propagandistic nature, as well - which is not inherently a bad thing and fully understandable considering the ongoing invasion and war.)
This is a pretty accessible introduction to Ukrainian history and especially its history with the Russian Empire, introducing both the historical legacy of various groups of modern Ukraine (such as the Kyivan Rus, the Cossacks...), as well as events in recent history shaped both by these legacies and by Russian imperial policies. Each relevant period/event is given some pages and then contextualised in wider Ukrainian history and its effect today. I'd say this is a good introduction for someone not familiar with Ukrainian history, especially if they also are not the type to read a lot (or a lot of nonfiction, specifically), but it definitely lacks depth, which is understandable in this format.
August 25, 2025
This graphic novel centers around a modern day Ukrainian girl fleeing Russian bombs, leaving her apartment and going to a bomb shelter. This central story is surrounded by a dense and complex history of Ukraine, covering centuries of information. The author tries to share as much relevant information about the long history of Ukraine as they could into one graphic novel. It was overwhelming at times, but I learned a lot, and it provided a lot more context to recent events. As someone who is not familiar with Ukrainian history, the orange tones of the graphics became apparent as to the illustration choices. The graphics were easy to follow and helped add to the understanding of the complex history and text. There are citations afterward, which I always appreciate in non-fiction graphic novel stories. This is a good purchase anywhere non-fiction graphic novels circulate well and for students and staff who want to learn more about this complex history. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.
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October 9, 2025I recieved an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First of all there are tons of ukrainian reviewers on this book's page if you want to take a look at what they have to say!!
I got a lot out of this book, but kinda wish it was formatted differently. Reading from my phone, most pages had lots of very tiny dialogue and crammed imagery. If it was longer, it could maybe divide some of those pages into two or more and get more space both for the art and the text. It makes a good job of contextualizing the latest russian invasion of Ukraine in a centuries-spanning back and forth, but the way the info was arranged on page felt like a lot at once at times. I liked the bits of present-day Ukraine and the main character/author going to the bomb shelter, and I wish those sections were longer.
First of all there are tons of ukrainian reviewers on this book's page if you want to take a look at what they have to say!!
I got a lot out of this book, but kinda wish it was formatted differently. Reading from my phone, most pages had lots of very tiny dialogue and crammed imagery. If it was longer, it could maybe divide some of those pages into two or more and get more space both for the art and the text. It makes a good job of contextualizing the latest russian invasion of Ukraine in a centuries-spanning back and forth, but the way the info was arranged on page felt like a lot at once at times. I liked the bits of present-day Ukraine and the main character/author going to the bomb shelter, and I wish those sections were longer.
December 12, 2025
Vaikuttava ja vaikuttavaksi tarkoitettu teos Ukrainan historiasta. Ei kuitenkaan liian raskaslukuinen, eli tekstin määrä on pidetty erittäin maltillisena ja visuaalinen ilme ilmavana. Aihe on tietenkin synkeä, mutta kirjaan on silti saatu ujutettua toiveikkuutta ja ylpeyttä vahvasta kansalaisyhteiskunnasta.
Tietenkään tätä ei voi lukea neutraalina historiakirjana (onko sellaista olemassakaan?). Hyvikset ja pahikset esitetään melko mustavalkoisesti ja esimerkiksi Ukrainan hallinnon korruptio-ongelmat sysätään Janukovytšin niskaan. Tietty yksinkertaistaminen on kai välttämät��ntä, ettei sivumäärä kasva liian isoksi tai käsittely hajoa liian sekavaksi.
Mielenkiintoista on se, että Zelenskyin nimeä ei mainita kirjassa kertaakaan ja hän näkyy vain yhdessä kuvassa. Onko haluttu varmistaa, että kirja ei tee Zelenskyista sankarimyyttiä vai mikä lienee syy?
Tietenkään tätä ei voi lukea neutraalina historiakirjana (onko sellaista olemassakaan?). Hyvikset ja pahikset esitetään melko mustavalkoisesti ja esimerkiksi Ukrainan hallinnon korruptio-ongelmat sysätään Janukovytšin niskaan. Tietty yksinkertaistaminen on kai välttämät��ntä, ettei sivumäärä kasva liian isoksi tai käsittely hajoa liian sekavaksi.
Mielenkiintoista on se, että Zelenskyin nimeä ei mainita kirjassa kertaakaan ja hän näkyy vain yhdessä kuvassa. Onko haluttu varmistaa, että kirja ei tee Zelenskyista sankarimyyttiä vai mikä lienee syy?
May 9, 2025
Не те щоб історія (до того ж викладена нелінейно: ось Голодомор, а ось після нього Київська Русь — яка сама по собі настільки багата й велика тема, що й цих загальних 104 сторінок коміксу було б замало), радше словничок, довідник війни.
Дуже гарно намальовано — безліч влучних образів, які вже розлетілися на меми (і це круто!).
Гарно окантоване: головна героїня розповіді, Віка, прокидається о другій ночі від вибухів, йде спочатку в коридор, потім у сховище і дорогою з її думок і реплік оточуючих постають сторінки нашої неймовірно довгої, безкінечної боротьби за право жити, дихати, творити, любити. Ширити навколо себе життя, кольори, співи, а не культ мертвих.
Хороша книга, варто мати на полиці.
Дуже гарно намальовано — безліч влучних образів, які вже розлетілися на меми (і це круто!).
Гарно окантоване: головна героїня розповіді, Віка, прокидається о другій ночі від вибухів, йде спочатку в коридор, потім у сховище і дорогою з її думок і реплік оточуючих постають сторінки нашої неймовірно довгої, безкінечної боротьби за право жити, дихати, творити, любити. Ширити навколо себе життя, кольори, співи, а не культ мертвих.
Хороша книга, варто мати на полиці.
August 21, 2025
The destructive history between Russia and Ukraine did not just start a few years ago. This graphic novel outlines how there has always been conflict between the two countries, going back centuries.
My only criticism is that I found the chronology of history to be a little confusing at times. It went from the Genocide during the early 1930s to Prince Volodymyr in 988 at one point.
War is a travesty and my heart goes out to those involved.
#ThxNetGalley #MariamNaiem #ABriefHistoryofaLongWar
My only criticism is that I found the chronology of history to be a little confusing at times. It went from the Genocide during the early 1930s to Prince Volodymyr in 988 at one point.
War is a travesty and my heart goes out to those involved.
#ThxNetGalley #MariamNaiem #ABriefHistoryofaLongWar
August 31, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishwr for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It's exactly what it says on the tin: a brief history of a long war. From the Kyivan Rus to the Holodomor famine to the modern day invasion of Ukraine, this gives an important primer to Ukrainian history especially in relation to Russia. I plan to look more into some of the resources listed in the back to learn more, which is always a sign of a good primer piece.
September 3, 2025
ARC received on NetGalley
I think keeping the color palette very simple, only using black, white, and orange, was impactful. The story starts without words as you go through an air strike with a young woman. This opening was so powerful.
There are times it is hard to follow the text due to its placement.
I think keeping the color palette very simple, only using black, white, and orange, was impactful. The story starts without words as you go through an air strike with a young woman. This opening was so powerful.
There are times it is hard to follow the text due to its placement.
July 21, 2025
Ця книга - змарнований час і гроші. Текст - низькоякісна компіляція дат і визначень, із триповерховими безособовими реченнями. Нагадує більше конспект школяра або шпаргалку для іспиту. Шкода роботи художника-ілюстратора.
August 12, 2025
This is a very good book for foreigners on the major historical events of Ukraine and colonisation crimes made by Russia. Its a perfect start for everyone who is interested in the history of the current war to understand the real reasons and the current and future threats for all the Europe
October 10, 2025
Mun historiantaidot ei ole mitkään parhaat, ehkä siksi tuntui jotenkin, että tulee hieman informaatioähky kaikesta tästä uudesta, mitä tässä yritin oppia...
Mutta onhan tämä nyt tärkeä ja hienon näköinen teos, ja tietoa on tosiaan pakattu hyvin tiiviiseen pakettiin runsaalla kädellä!
Mutta onhan tämä nyt tärkeä ja hienon näköinen teos, ja tietoa on tosiaan pakattu hyvin tiiviiseen pakettiin runsaalla kädellä!
October 21, 2025
Short and hits all of the main points of Ukrainian history. It is a great gift for anyone interested to start learning more about Ukrainian history. illustrations are beautiful, detailed and cohesive. I will probably be buying additional copies to gift to friends.
March 28, 2025
прекрасний мальопис. дуже раджу, а докладніше, чому раджу - отут
https://tyzhden.ua/korotka-istoriia-d...
https://tyzhden.ua/korotka-istoriia-d...
July 27, 2025
Une histoire en BD de l’Ukraine jusqu’à depuis le moyen Âge jusqu’à la guerre actuelle. Ouvrage clair, joliment illustré et bien documenté, nombreuses références bibliographiques en fin d’album.
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