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Calling Ukraine
National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree and author of Such Good Work Johannes Lichtman returns with a novel that is strikingly relevant to our times—about an American who takes a job in Ukraine in 2018, only to find that his struggle to understand the customs and culture is eclipsed by a romantic entanglement with deadly consequences.
Shortly after his thirtieth birthday, John Turner receives a call from an old college friend who makes him an odd job move to Ukraine to teach customer service agents at a startup how to sound American. John’s never been to Ukraine, doesn’t speak Ukrainian, and is supposed to be a journalist, not a consultant. But having just gone through a break-up and the death of his father, it might just be the new start he’s been looking for.
In Ukraine, John understands very little—the language and social customs are impenetrable to him. At work, his employees are fluent in English but have difficulty grasping the concept of “small talk.” And although he told himself not to get romantically involved while abroad, he can’t help but be increasingly drawn to one of his colleagues.
Most distressing, however, is the fact that John can hear, through their shared wall, his neighbor beating his wife. Desperate to help, John decides to offer the neighbor 100,000 hryvnias to stop. It’s a plan born out the best intentions, but one that has disastrous repercussions that no amount of money or altruism can resolve.
Like Ben Lerner’s Leaving the Atocha Station and Garth Greenwell’s What Belongs to You , Calling Ukraine reimagines the American-abroad novel. Moving effortlessly between the comic and the tragic, Johannes Lichtman deploys his signature wry humor and startling moral acuity to illuminate the inevitable complexities of doing right by others.
Shortly after his thirtieth birthday, John Turner receives a call from an old college friend who makes him an odd job move to Ukraine to teach customer service agents at a startup how to sound American. John’s never been to Ukraine, doesn’t speak Ukrainian, and is supposed to be a journalist, not a consultant. But having just gone through a break-up and the death of his father, it might just be the new start he’s been looking for.
In Ukraine, John understands very little—the language and social customs are impenetrable to him. At work, his employees are fluent in English but have difficulty grasping the concept of “small talk.” And although he told himself not to get romantically involved while abroad, he can’t help but be increasingly drawn to one of his colleagues.
Most distressing, however, is the fact that John can hear, through their shared wall, his neighbor beating his wife. Desperate to help, John decides to offer the neighbor 100,000 hryvnias to stop. It’s a plan born out the best intentions, but one that has disastrous repercussions that no amount of money or altruism can resolve.
Like Ben Lerner’s Leaving the Atocha Station and Garth Greenwell’s What Belongs to You , Calling Ukraine reimagines the American-abroad novel. Moving effortlessly between the comic and the tragic, Johannes Lichtman deploys his signature wry humor and startling moral acuity to illuminate the inevitable complexities of doing right by others.
226 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2023
30 people are currently reading
3897 people want to read
About the author
Johannes Lichtman
4 books60 followersJohannes Lichtman’s debut novel, Such Good Work, was chosen as a 5 Under 35 honoree by the National Book Foundation. His second novel, Calling Ukraine, will be published in 2023. His work has appeared in Tin House, The Sun, Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles Review of Books, Oxford American, and elsewhere. He lives in Washington, DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 25, 2023
Super misinforming presentation of what Ukraine is and Ukrainians are like.
December 25, 2023
This was a fun and interesting read about a well-meaning American in his thirties who moves to Ukraine for work and struggles to adapt to Ukrainian culture.
In the beginning there were a bit too many stereotypes for me, but the second half of the book is more serious and I greatly enjoyed it.
This is set in 2018-2019, so before the escalation of the conflict with Russia. The setting is Western Ukraine (so a very different feeling from for instance Kurkov's Grey Bees, set around the same time in Donbas) and you get a good idea of the issues Ukrainians were dealing with at the time.
There is one strange thing about this novel though: it starts with an Author's Note in which Johannes Lichtman sort of apologises for being critical of then presidential candidate Zelenskyy. He wrote the book before the invasion and hadn't foreseen the man would become a hero...He even tried to rewrite the book but didn't succeed. I find this Note strange for two reasons: first, the section on the presidential election is a very short part of the book and I don't find it critical of Zelenskyy at all, it is quite positive and accurately describes the mixed feelings of excitement and uncertainty in Ukraine after having elected a comedian to become president. And second: this is a novel - is there something wrong with a character being critical of a political figure? I sure hope American authors are still able to let their characters think and say what they want...
Many thanks to Edelweiss for an ARC of this book.
In the beginning there were a bit too many stereotypes for me, but the second half of the book is more serious and I greatly enjoyed it.
This is set in 2018-2019, so before the escalation of the conflict with Russia. The setting is Western Ukraine (so a very different feeling from for instance Kurkov's Grey Bees, set around the same time in Donbas) and you get a good idea of the issues Ukrainians were dealing with at the time.
There is one strange thing about this novel though: it starts with an Author's Note in which Johannes Lichtman sort of apologises for being critical of then presidential candidate Zelenskyy. He wrote the book before the invasion and hadn't foreseen the man would become a hero...He even tried to rewrite the book but didn't succeed. I find this Note strange for two reasons: first, the section on the presidential election is a very short part of the book and I don't find it critical of Zelenskyy at all, it is quite positive and accurately describes the mixed feelings of excitement and uncertainty in Ukraine after having elected a comedian to become president. And second: this is a novel - is there something wrong with a character being critical of a political figure? I sure hope American authors are still able to let their characters think and say what they want...
Many thanks to Edelweiss for an ARC of this book.
April 3, 2023
John Turner knows nothing about the hospitality industry or call centers or how to teach the fine art of small talk. He doesn’t speak Ukrainian, has never been to Ukraine, and knows zero about its culture. But he took a job in Ukraine anyway as a supervisor in an Airbnb call center.
As the odyssey unfolds, we learn that Turner is a worrywart who second guesses himself, grinds through negative thoughts, and constantly sidenotes excuses for an action or inaction in case we readers perceive a politically correct oversight. Instead of this lending a thoughtful aspect to his character, he comes across as lacking conviction or fearing what readers might think. Who cares if he enjoys watching Friends reruns? We’re not judgy, are we?
The Ukrainian characters, on the other hand, are likable and interesting. They are a balancing foil to Turner’s neuroses, which makes their practical approach to situations seem enlightened by comparison. The service agents Turner is supervising have not had the luxury of indulging in thin skin, so have no toolkit to manage the orchids among us who expect customer service representatives to know how lightly to mist our petals. Trained to patiently wait in line and stoically respond to disappointment, they are baffled by the need for superfluous small talk to manage callers. Even more so when Turner repeatedly apologizes for something he didn’t do. Herein lies the humor of this book, even if it is with a bit of a blush as we see ourselves through the eyes of persons who have not arrived on this planet in a country that allows its people to become a bit spoiled, if I may be so brave!
Ukraine is in our hearts and minds right now, and for that reason I’m glad to have a glimpse of their world before the invasion. It is especially fun to see Ukrainians react to things we see as normal, such as the need for and style of our small talk. Why are we so obsessed about the weather, anyway?
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC.
As the odyssey unfolds, we learn that Turner is a worrywart who second guesses himself, grinds through negative thoughts, and constantly sidenotes excuses for an action or inaction in case we readers perceive a politically correct oversight. Instead of this lending a thoughtful aspect to his character, he comes across as lacking conviction or fearing what readers might think. Who cares if he enjoys watching Friends reruns? We’re not judgy, are we?
The Ukrainian characters, on the other hand, are likable and interesting. They are a balancing foil to Turner’s neuroses, which makes their practical approach to situations seem enlightened by comparison. The service agents Turner is supervising have not had the luxury of indulging in thin skin, so have no toolkit to manage the orchids among us who expect customer service representatives to know how lightly to mist our petals. Trained to patiently wait in line and stoically respond to disappointment, they are baffled by the need for superfluous small talk to manage callers. Even more so when Turner repeatedly apologizes for something he didn’t do. Herein lies the humor of this book, even if it is with a bit of a blush as we see ourselves through the eyes of persons who have not arrived on this planet in a country that allows its people to become a bit spoiled, if I may be so brave!
Ukraine is in our hearts and minds right now, and for that reason I’m glad to have a glimpse of their world before the invasion. It is especially fun to see Ukrainians react to things we see as normal, such as the need for and style of our small talk. Why are we so obsessed about the weather, anyway?
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC.
May 6, 2023
1.5⭐
This book was a complete and utter disappointment. It was an absolute mess!
I was excited to see a book about Ukraine before the book, so I can read and connect with some of the culture I grew up with. Granted, the first 50 or so pages of this book were great, hilarious even. I definitely LOL'd.
A big HOWEVER, the rest of the book FLOPPED. Dead fathers, domestic abuse, murder, ethics of being rich, and feeble attempts to sound woke in story anecdotes. It was all performative and also sucked in execution. Worst part was finding ways to make the story of domestic abuse RATIONAL from Anatoly's and Natalia's perspectives.
This book was so obviously written by a man because there was just an aspect of the writing that felt like it soothed the male ego. It's hard to explain, but certain tendencies and trains of thought in the main character screamed ignorance.
The ending was also just such a mess. It was recalling scenes from different times, and also written in the perspective of Natalia, and also introduces a stupid twist that she was the one that actually killed Anatoly (spoiler but whatever don't read this book).
The characters themselves were actually not bad, but the direction taken was just so so wrong and was a dishonor to them.
The actual culture of Ukrainians and explanation of history and current events wasn't terrible, it was good enough. Doesn't redeem it any stars.
Overall, just honestly disappointed that I had my hopes up for this book, and spent the latter half of my day binge reading it (honestly just trying to get through the trainwreck).
This book was a complete and utter disappointment. It was an absolute mess!
I was excited to see a book about Ukraine before the book, so I can read and connect with some of the culture I grew up with. Granted, the first 50 or so pages of this book were great, hilarious even. I definitely LOL'd.
A big HOWEVER, the rest of the book FLOPPED. Dead fathers, domestic abuse, murder, ethics of being rich, and feeble attempts to sound woke in story anecdotes. It was all performative and also sucked in execution. Worst part was finding ways to make the story of domestic abuse RATIONAL from Anatoly's and Natalia's perspectives.
This book was so obviously written by a man because there was just an aspect of the writing that felt like it soothed the male ego. It's hard to explain, but certain tendencies and trains of thought in the main character screamed ignorance.
The ending was also just such a mess. It was recalling scenes from different times, and also written in the perspective of Natalia, and also introduces a stupid twist that she was the one that actually killed Anatoly (spoiler but whatever don't read this book).
The characters themselves were actually not bad, but the direction taken was just so so wrong and was a dishonor to them.
The actual culture of Ukrainians and explanation of history and current events wasn't terrible, it was good enough. Doesn't redeem it any stars.
Overall, just honestly disappointed that I had my hopes up for this book, and spent the latter half of my day binge reading it (honestly just trying to get through the trainwreck).
July 10, 2025
Роман комедійний і сатиричний. Літман писав його в 2019—2020 роках, а готував до друку 2022-го. До цього мав помітний дебют — роман "Така хороша робота". У поясненні-передмові до "Колінг Юкрейн", а точніше ритуальному вибаченні, автор повідомляє: з початком повномасштабної війни він почав сумніватися в своєму тексті і засів його переписувати, адже писав про Україну в сатирично-комічному ключі, а в часи, коли країна чинить спротив потужному ворогу, такий тон може здатися зневажливим. Більше того — герой Літмана обговорює вибори 2018-го, вивчає серіал "Слуга народу" і збиткує з ситуації, де комік стає президентом. Тепер, — пише в передмові автор, — Зеленський є героєм для цивілізаційного світу, і мені незручно за те, як я про нього писав. Коротше кажучи, автор пробував переписати роман, але повернувся до першої його редакції.
2018 рік. Друг-стартапер пропонує Джону Тернеру переїхати з США до України, де в Луцьку налагодити роботу кол-центру з питань короткострокової оренди. Там працюють п’ятеро українців і їм погано дається американська манера спілкування. Тернеру 30 років, він журналіст-фрілансер з Портланду, щойно розлучився, щойно поховав батька, живе у іще немебльованій квартирі.
У Луцьку в підпорядкуванні Тернера опиняється кілька операторів і розробників. Тернер зближується з Дмитром, який щойно почав бізнес з виготовлення і продажі беруші. Тернер поволі закохується в Наталію, яка одружена з колишнім філософом, а нині — кур’єром з доставки води Анатолієм. Сусіди Тернера щоночі скандалять і він чує, як чоловік б’є жінку. Скоро Тернер з’ясовує: Наталія — його сусідка. Тоді він вирішує підкупити Анатолія, щоби той полишив дружину, але випадково убиває його. Наталія стає коханкою Тернера. Офіс в Луцьку закривають. Наталія відхиляє шлюбну пропозицію Тернера, говорить, що закохалася в Дмитра. Джон повертається в США, де вирішує змінити професію, покинутися журналістику і стати викладачем англійської для іноземців та вперше відвідує могилу батька.
Тернер не раз міркуватиме, чому українці такі скупі на слова і на емоції, чому в нашому спілкуванні відсутня культура смолтоків. Одна з його версій — українці емоційно-комунікаційно неповносправні через війну: "Технічно Україна охоплена громадянською війною на сході, най і організованою Росією, а така війна означає, що принаймні деякі українці повинні боятися контактів одне з одним". Далі будуть роздуми героя: війна — перманентний стан українського суспільства. Він бачить пам’ятники на вулицях Луцька, які вшановують жертв попередніх воєн і репресій та пробує уявити: "Як воно дорослішати з пам’яттю про війну на рідній землі між двома арміями, які хотіли вбити вас... Вирости під диктатурою та таємною поліцією, де навіть добре слово незнайомої людини може бути пасткою. А потім прийшла свобода — воля жити у умовах беззаконня та задушливою диктатури. Можливо, насильство було вашою ціною, яку ви готові платити за стабільність". У такий спосіб оголошено конче важливий орієнтир у сприйняття України: іманентний воєнний стан.
Американець також обмірковує насилля: те, яке по відношенню до нього спричинив батько (емоційний тиск), те, на яке він раптом видався сам готовим (убивство). Він міркує, що американці заводять смолтоки, бо бояться на самоті із собою дізнатися про межі, яких вони готові сягнути. "Колінг Юкрейн" — не так про Україну, як про американця, що усамітнився в Україні і почав себе слухати. Уже історія його стосунків з Наталією — це міркування про межі, точніше про переступ. Тернера люто бісить, коли він отримує поради, як іноземцю легко зклеїти кралечку в Україні. Він обурюється: це секс-злочин, а не секс-туризм! Він в шоці, що розмовники і сайти з вивчення мов пропонують йому змоделювати діалог з секс-працівницею. Він обурюється: невже всі українки автоматично бачать американця як товстого агресивного невдаху, який купує секс з жінкою, якої апріорі не вартий. А потім Тернер зніме з кредитки 50 000 гривень і піде у Анатолія викуповувати Наталію.
більше тут: https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
2018 рік. Друг-стартапер пропонує Джону Тернеру переїхати з США до України, де в Луцьку налагодити роботу кол-центру з питань короткострокової оренди. Там працюють п’ятеро українців і їм погано дається американська манера спілкування. Тернеру 30 років, він журналіст-фрілансер з Портланду, щойно розлучився, щойно поховав батька, живе у іще немебльованій квартирі.
У Луцьку в підпорядкуванні Тернера опиняється кілька операторів і розробників. Тернер зближується з Дмитром, який щойно почав бізнес з виготовлення і продажі беруші. Тернер поволі закохується в Наталію, яка одружена з колишнім філософом, а нині — кур’єром з доставки води Анатолієм. Сусіди Тернера щоночі скандалять і він чує, як чоловік б’є жінку. Скоро Тернер з’ясовує: Наталія — його сусідка. Тоді він вирішує підкупити Анатолія, щоби той полишив дружину, але випадково убиває його. Наталія стає коханкою Тернера. Офіс в Луцьку закривають. Наталія відхиляє шлюбну пропозицію Тернера, говорить, що закохалася в Дмитра. Джон повертається в США, де вирішує змінити професію, покинутися журналістику і стати викладачем англійської для іноземців та вперше відвідує могилу батька.
Тернер не раз міркуватиме, чому українці такі скупі на слова і на емоції, чому в нашому спілкуванні відсутня культура смолтоків. Одна з його версій — українці емоційно-комунікаційно неповносправні через війну: "Технічно Україна охоплена громадянською війною на сході, най і організованою Росією, а така війна означає, що принаймні деякі українці повинні боятися контактів одне з одним". Далі будуть роздуми героя: війна — перманентний стан українського суспільства. Він бачить пам’ятники на вулицях Луцька, які вшановують жертв попередніх воєн і репресій та пробує уявити: "Як воно дорослішати з пам’яттю про війну на рідній землі між двома арміями, які хотіли вбити вас... Вирости під диктатурою та таємною поліцією, де навіть добре слово незнайомої людини може бути пасткою. А потім прийшла свобода — воля жити у умовах беззаконня та задушливою диктатури. Можливо, насильство було вашою ціною, яку ви готові платити за стабільність". У такий спосіб оголошено конче важливий орієнтир у сприйняття України: іманентний воєнний стан.
Американець також обмірковує насилля: те, яке по відношенню до нього спричинив батько (емоційний тиск), те, на яке він раптом видався сам готовим (убивство). Він міркує, що американці заводять смолтоки, бо бояться на самоті із собою дізнатися про межі, яких вони готові сягнути. "Колінг Юкрейн" — не так про Україну, як про американця, що усамітнився в Україні і почав себе слухати. Уже історія його стосунків з Наталією — це міркування про межі, точніше про переступ. Тернера люто бісить, коли він отримує поради, як іноземцю легко зклеїти кралечку в Україні. Він обурюється: це секс-злочин, а не секс-туризм! Він в шоці, що розмовники і сайти з вивчення мов пропонують йому змоделювати діалог з секс-працівницею. Він обурюється: невже всі українки автоматично бачать американця як товстого агресивного невдаху, який купує секс з жінкою, якої апріорі не вартий. А потім Тернер зніме з кредитки 50 000 гривень і піде у Анатолія викуповувати Наталію.
більше тут: https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
October 12, 2022
Super fun book! John Turner moves to the Ukraine essentially on a whim to assist Ukrainians working in a call center. His only role is to assist the workers on sounding "more American" so that they can be . John's POV is wry and humorous as he notices the differences between the cultures. Still reeling from the death of his father and the breakup of his relationship, he looks for happiness within his office.
When he gets too involved with a woman in the call center a cascade of events causes everything in his life to unravel. This book is a brilliant look at cultural differences, grief and the Ukraine in general. If you like a witty novel, love an unusual plot, or just enjoy a humorous look at cultural differences, Calling Ukraine is for you! #Scribner
When he gets too involved with a woman in the call center a cascade of events causes everything in his life to unravel. This book is a brilliant look at cultural differences, grief and the Ukraine in general. If you like a witty novel, love an unusual plot, or just enjoy a humorous look at cultural differences, Calling Ukraine is for you! #Scribner
March 24, 2024
Poor writing, poor plot, poor knowledge of Ukraine (although at the beginning there was some hope), ridiculous dialogues and a main character who thinks he's the only one normal when the others (both Ukrainians and Americans) are defective.
Listened till the end just out of stubborness.
Listened till the end just out of stubborness.
March 29, 2023
This one starts with an introduction from the author explaining that this book was written prior to the Russian invasion in 2022, and though he considered changing some of the criticisms that characters level against Zelensky for fear that they would sound like Putin talking points (the story unfolds against the elections that would bring Zelensky to power), he left the book largely untouched. As such, the book is not afraid to depict Ukraine as a dysfunctional country full of admirably resilient people. That is when the book is at its best. Unfortunately, the main narrative about an American going to Ukraine to teach the employees of a call center to sound more American is far less compelling.
March 19, 2023
Pretty excellent. Reminiscent of Leaving the Atocha Station and Fake Accounts, but with distinctly softer edges. Not nearly as introspective or academic as those novels, and more overly humorous, but there's some shared DNA that will probably endear this to you if you're a fan of those others. Very smart in its indictment of the performativity of neoliberal citizens of empire, as well as its understanding of language's limitations in allowing us to know others.
November 26, 2023
This book suffers immensely from lack of character development/motivation. I had to force myself to finish the book, as I wasn’t invested in the outcome, just morbidly curious to see if the story got any better. It did not.
August 6, 2023
reading about living in Ukraine as a foreigner was cool because some things were similar to my experience in Slovakia. but literally everything else about this book was annoying
May 1, 2023
***These are my random thoughts after finishing the book. Some of the thoughts are an overall review of the book, or any questions/feelings that nagged at me throughout. There will almost definitely be spoilers. Read at your own risk.*** ‐----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclosure: Won ARC in giveaway, thank you to publishers
2.5 stars down
Started out fun and light-hearted, but took a surprisingly dark turn
Felt like a lot of stereotypes
Enjoyed the glimpse into Ukrainian life (slice-of-life aspect felt good)
Ending left kind of a bad taste, John becomes more unlikable (how did he think bribery was the way to go here)
John is "not like other men"
Felt a bit like a mish-mash of ideas
Disclosure: Won ARC in giveaway, thank you to publishers
2.5 stars down
Started out fun and light-hearted, but took a surprisingly dark turn
Felt like a lot of stereotypes
Enjoyed the glimpse into Ukrainian life (slice-of-life aspect felt good)
Ending left kind of a bad taste, John becomes more unlikable (how did he think bribery was the way to go here)
John is "not like other men"
Felt a bit like a mish-mash of ideas
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2023
This is one of the most realistic speakers/protagonists I’ve read in a while. The novel covers vivid descriptions of domestic violence, so TW.
May 12, 2023
This was such a weak and stereotypical story about Ukraine that relied basically solely on stereotypes about the country. The plot was bizarre and nonsensical, and all of the characters were deeply unlikeable.
February 3, 2023
I’d give the beginning of this book 4 stars and the end of this book 2 stars. The beginning was very entertaining and interesting, learning about Ukrainian culture through interactions with Ukrainian characters. I liked the plot in that it was something unique and comical at times while staying interesting enough to keep me intrigued. Then the plot turned in the middle and it took a turn. Kind of a dark turn that didn’t really fit with the previous tone of the story. And then it suddenly got very political, which didn’t really fit in with the story either but kind of seems like the author added it down the line, even though he claimed in the foreword that everything was written before Russia invaded Ukraine. It was good enough, I guess. I just wish the tone of the beginning had remained throughout.
October 6, 2022
I would like to start by noting that "Calling Ukraine" begins with a letter from the author explaining that this book was written prior to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and captures that Ukraine, rather than depictions of war. It's part of what I appreciated most about this book - the intimate look at Ukrainian culture, and how that contrasts with the culture and assumptions of our main character, an American who has relocated there for a job. Unfortunately the story and characters fell a little flat for me; the characters' motivations were clear but a little single-faceted, and I never really bought into the love story that the entire arc hangs on. An good read, but not great for me.
April 11, 2023
What a wonderful, quick read!
Calling Ukraine was written before Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022 by an American author who lived in Ukraine in 2018-19 during their presidential election. Following Russia's war on Ukraine, Lichtman went back to review possible changes to ensure that he was still faithfully depicting Ukrainian sentiment during their 2018-19 election when the story takes place, and their history, while also not being overtly critical of President Zelenskyy nor too favorable of Putin.
What I enjoyed the most about this book was learning more about Ukraine's history and culture. While there's so, so much that was left unsaid, and what was said was said by a white, American man, I do believe that this was better exposure than none at all. Ukraine has had a fraught history, and I believe that Lichtman did a good job of depicting both the skepticism and, more importantly, humor and resiliency of the Ukrainian people.
For the actual storyline: I would have loved the Lichtman to dive deeper into the white-savior complex a little more that he touched upon throughout. Maybe I wanted the book to be less love story, more "how can I be a better American when I'm abroad"?
Overall, it was an enjoyable, quick read! I highly recommend if you're interested in learning more about Ukraine, have an interest in cultural anthropology/sociology, or if you've ever worked in a call center.
What I would love to see is Lichtman use his platform to connect his American readers to more Ukrainian authors so we can continue to grow and learn!
Thank you to GoodReads and Scribner for the gifted ARC
Calling Ukraine was written before Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022 by an American author who lived in Ukraine in 2018-19 during their presidential election. Following Russia's war on Ukraine, Lichtman went back to review possible changes to ensure that he was still faithfully depicting Ukrainian sentiment during their 2018-19 election when the story takes place, and their history, while also not being overtly critical of President Zelenskyy nor too favorable of Putin.
What I enjoyed the most about this book was learning more about Ukraine's history and culture. While there's so, so much that was left unsaid, and what was said was said by a white, American man, I do believe that this was better exposure than none at all. Ukraine has had a fraught history, and I believe that Lichtman did a good job of depicting both the skepticism and, more importantly, humor and resiliency of the Ukrainian people.
For the actual storyline: I would have loved the Lichtman to dive deeper into the white-savior complex a little more that he touched upon throughout. Maybe I wanted the book to be less love story, more "how can I be a better American when I'm abroad"?
Overall, it was an enjoyable, quick read! I highly recommend if you're interested in learning more about Ukraine, have an interest in cultural anthropology/sociology, or if you've ever worked in a call center.
What I would love to see is Lichtman use his platform to connect his American readers to more Ukrainian authors so we can continue to grow and learn!
Thank you to GoodReads and Scribner for the gifted ARC
March 16, 2024
My first long spell of reading outside in 2024, and I'm so glad I found this book. The chapters where different characters tell the same story are so brilliant. I laughed so hard during the chapter told by the perspective of Anatoly. I loved the introduction of this book, and glory to the use of humor in this story.
Also, thanks to this book, I have a new way to talk about a hangover:
"We met by the fountain thirty minutes later. I asked her where Anatoly was, and she said, "He is reckoning with the ghosts of yesterday's drinking."
I laughed. "I can sympathize."
"Did it sound stupid the way I said that?"
"No. It was funny."
"Good. I practiced it before I left." (p. 107)
Slava Ukraine.
Also, thanks to this book, I have a new way to talk about a hangover:
"We met by the fountain thirty minutes later. I asked her where Anatoly was, and she said, "He is reckoning with the ghosts of yesterday's drinking."
I laughed. "I can sympathize."
"Did it sound stupid the way I said that?"
"No. It was funny."
"Good. I practiced it before I left." (p. 107)
Slava Ukraine.
June 15, 2024
I have worked with a team of Ukrainians for many years and spent the past 3 years working with a tutor to learn the language. Still, I feel I learned so much more about what life is like there from the author’s experience. The book takes place in the years before the Russian invasion and culminates when Zelenskyy was elected. I am looking forward to discussing it with my tutor (who will make me try to explain it in my very limited Ukrainian).
November 19, 2024
this book has so many hard topics crammed into 223 pages which means that several subjects weren’t awarded the delicacy they deserve. i was very enticed at the beginning and appreciated the look into Ukrainian culture but after a bit of research, it seems it was not even an accurate depiction. it wasn’t the most horrible thing i’ve ever read but upon reflection i think it lacked storyline and substance.
Read
November 27, 2023Not great but not terrible. It was funny in some parts and somber in others. I thought, “It doesn’t know what it wants to be.”
August 25, 2025
Very realistic. At times, I thought I was reading nonfiction. It’s nothing amazing but a great story.
August 30, 2025
I need to sit on this one a bit and think more about what the story’s trying to say. But I enjoyed this while I was reading it—good tone, comical, insightful characters. There’s a reason why the setting is Ukraine; the story would mean less if it were America.
September 19, 2024
The author definitely mishandled domestic violence, murder, and Ukraine in general. I'm not a fan.
June 8, 2023
This was a tough one. Lichtman as an American sounds sincere and offers a unique insight into how Ukrainians experienced and saw the world prior to 2022. (As a place for cheap labor and living for Westerners while Ukrainians struggle to achieve prosperity.)
But there are a lot of Ukrainians on here who take issue with the lack of nuance in the characters: real problems there like sex tourism and domestic violence handled without care and consideration ended up painting the whole nationality with stereotypes. The story itself veers into places you don’t expect it to go, and it feels forced, like the American had to be the good white savior and not just a guy in a country where he doesn’t speak the language. It’s not bad writing or a bad plot. It is what it is.
But there are a lot of Ukrainians on here who take issue with the lack of nuance in the characters: real problems there like sex tourism and domestic violence handled without care and consideration ended up painting the whole nationality with stereotypes. The story itself veers into places you don’t expect it to go, and it feels forced, like the American had to be the good white savior and not just a guy in a country where he doesn’t speak the language. It’s not bad writing or a bad plot. It is what it is.
May 9, 2023
Calling Ukraine by Johannes Lichtman flew onto the shelves this past month and has quickly captured my attention.
It follows an American, John, as he stumbles his way through a cultural consultancy position at a call center in a Ukrainian town. Lichtman captures this American’s sense of self deprivation as well as the American tendency to feel like a savior when they, in actuality, have little awareness of what’s going on. John was almost too insufferable to read, but, in this case, that’s what makes him a well-written character.
There are two things I loved about the major themes of the book — Ukrainian geopolitics/history and feminism. Especially considering today’s political climate, this book is a good resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the current war in Ukraine. Although the time frame is around 2019, Lichtman captures the rising tensions very accurately.
Given the theme of domestic abuse, which is rather normalized in that part of the world, I would consider this a feminist book. The way women are treated in Russia and Ukraine is more depraved over there than over here, generally speaking. Lichtman does a very robust job of capturing multiple view points as they relate to relationship dynamics and general attitudes in that culture.
All I can say is bravo. 4/5 stars ⭐️
It follows an American, John, as he stumbles his way through a cultural consultancy position at a call center in a Ukrainian town. Lichtman captures this American’s sense of self deprivation as well as the American tendency to feel like a savior when they, in actuality, have little awareness of what’s going on. John was almost too insufferable to read, but, in this case, that’s what makes him a well-written character.
There are two things I loved about the major themes of the book — Ukrainian geopolitics/history and feminism. Especially considering today’s political climate, this book is a good resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the current war in Ukraine. Although the time frame is around 2019, Lichtman captures the rising tensions very accurately.
Given the theme of domestic abuse, which is rather normalized in that part of the world, I would consider this a feminist book. The way women are treated in Russia and Ukraine is more depraved over there than over here, generally speaking. Lichtman does a very robust job of capturing multiple view points as they relate to relationship dynamics and general attitudes in that culture.
All I can say is bravo. 4/5 stars ⭐️
April 29, 2023
I read this book for my Read Around the World. Although I liked the descriptions of life in Ukraine the story premise was so off-putting. I think it would have been fine with just John's description of adapting to life in a new country, and even possibly dating in Ukraine, but then it went sideways. Luckily, it was short, so I just had to rip it off like a band-aid.
June 10, 2023
Strange read. Picked it up for obvious reasons, its set in Ukraine. But the writing felt a bit superficial, robotic even. While there are some accurate Ukrainian anecdotes/phrases, it does not feel like an authentic portrayal of Ukraine and Ukrainians. Its just skimming the surface and reads a bit like a strange sitcom. Interesting enough but overall, an odd story.
June 5, 2023
I enjoyed the history of Ukraine,especially since it was written before the war, but I didn’t like the characters, especially John
January 29, 2024
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I am Ukranian/Russian born in Kiev or maybe now I should spell it Kyiv, but grew up in LA but now live in Portland like the main character John. Maybe that is why he got under my skin so much?
I really wonder if the author was trying to purposely trying to have us view Ukrainians through the narrow lens of John or if he was trying to be deep by showing that morality is all relevant based on who you think you are and who you believe others are?
The characters all had different perspectives and viewed different behaviors differently based on their cultures, background or lives.
John fancied himself such a hero for a woman he essentially knew nothing about, yet he was a complete and utter douche to Muriel. I personally believe that he was turned off by the American woman and her strong personality and yet he perceived Natalya as needing to be saved. She made him feel more masculine just like living in Ukraine made him feel rich. Both of those things I am sure were lacking if he were in the States, I might even add especially if he lived in Portland where there is a strong loud feminist vibe.
I think the author may have intentionally tried to use perceptions and stereotypes on both sides and I don’t think they were meant to offend anyone. I am certainly not offended by the Millenial/LA/Portland/educated woke male writer with a hero complex. He doesn’t represent all Americans. The irony of him wanting to not be like the “Sexpats” who are another stereotype, is not lost on me either.
I think it is a touchy time for Ukraine and it is obvious by some of the reviews from Ukrainians on here who were easily offended by how we may view them. But to pretend that Ukranian men don’t beat their wives ever or that it is just some stereotype is also painting with a broad brush. People are all individuals and and maybe that is the point? My dad beat my mom and we were Ukranian and it happened HERE in the US where police also didn’t care until laws changed due to OJ Simpson and it still happens regardless of the laws. I’m not offended.
Speaking of being offended, the author also touched on Gen X vs newer generations. The fact that John thought he could easily be Gen X because of his humor showed that he was so disconnected from his own country by a generational stereotype.
Don’t even get me started on the American white slavery guilt that they touched on that the Ukranians teens mentioned in the book are unaware of because they just want to copy the American Hip Hop rappers but fo not carry the guilt and are unaware of the N word and the “rules” in the US of who can and cannot say that word.
I question how I felt when I thought he killed Anatoly vs how I felt when I found out who really did?
I was angry that John was going to leave and get away with murder that he of course wasn’t going to cop to.
I detested him when he kept getting angry on behalf of the Ukranians for Muriel speaking too loud and being rude? Yet from Dima’s perspective her being loud was seen as being free and he is not wrong. Women in America are free and many are loud. But I believe that somehow emasculated him by her not being meek, timid and quiet. He preferred someone who didn’t talk as much whether that was due to a language barrier or culture.
I think the author was trying to get us to see things from other’s perspectives and that is why Anatoly narrated a chapter, as well as Natalya.
Was it me or did she recall that he kissed her first but when he told the story she kissed him?
Initially on a superficial shallow level, I think this book is just a light hearted book with a weird plot twist, but I see so much more.
I see a weak, American man who knows nothing of the culture he is living in and only has the perspective and blinders on that he himself isn’t even aware of. I think it’s about morals and how American’s see themselves and how they see others. He was so annoying!!! Even if he hadn’t been a complete idiot and accidentally offered Anatoly money for sex, I found his entire plan of offering money weak and offensive. Like what kind of man is he? Talk about stereotypes of weak Americans. Sheesh.
But then I remember that this is a COMEDY and meant to be lighthearted, ironic and funny? Except the tone had changed and there wasn’t anything funny in the end.
I really wonder if the author was trying to purposely trying to have us view Ukrainians through the narrow lens of John or if he was trying to be deep by showing that morality is all relevant based on who you think you are and who you believe others are?
The characters all had different perspectives and viewed different behaviors differently based on their cultures, background or lives.
John fancied himself such a hero for a woman he essentially knew nothing about, yet he was a complete and utter douche to Muriel. I personally believe that he was turned off by the American woman and her strong personality and yet he perceived Natalya as needing to be saved. She made him feel more masculine just like living in Ukraine made him feel rich. Both of those things I am sure were lacking if he were in the States, I might even add especially if he lived in Portland where there is a strong loud feminist vibe.
I think the author may have intentionally tried to use perceptions and stereotypes on both sides and I don’t think they were meant to offend anyone. I am certainly not offended by the Millenial/LA/Portland/educated woke male writer with a hero complex. He doesn’t represent all Americans. The irony of him wanting to not be like the “Sexpats” who are another stereotype, is not lost on me either.
I think it is a touchy time for Ukraine and it is obvious by some of the reviews from Ukrainians on here who were easily offended by how we may view them. But to pretend that Ukranian men don’t beat their wives ever or that it is just some stereotype is also painting with a broad brush. People are all individuals and and maybe that is the point? My dad beat my mom and we were Ukranian and it happened HERE in the US where police also didn’t care until laws changed due to OJ Simpson and it still happens regardless of the laws. I’m not offended.
Speaking of being offended, the author also touched on Gen X vs newer generations. The fact that John thought he could easily be Gen X because of his humor showed that he was so disconnected from his own country by a generational stereotype.
Don’t even get me started on the American white slavery guilt that they touched on that the Ukranians teens mentioned in the book are unaware of because they just want to copy the American Hip Hop rappers but fo not carry the guilt and are unaware of the N word and the “rules” in the US of who can and cannot say that word.
I question how I felt when I thought he killed Anatoly vs how I felt when I found out who really did?
I was angry that John was going to leave and get away with murder that he of course wasn’t going to cop to.
I detested him when he kept getting angry on behalf of the Ukranians for Muriel speaking too loud and being rude? Yet from Dima’s perspective her being loud was seen as being free and he is not wrong. Women in America are free and many are loud. But I believe that somehow emasculated him by her not being meek, timid and quiet. He preferred someone who didn’t talk as much whether that was due to a language barrier or culture.
I think the author was trying to get us to see things from other’s perspectives and that is why Anatoly narrated a chapter, as well as Natalya.
Was it me or did she recall that he kissed her first but when he told the story she kissed him?
Initially on a superficial shallow level, I think this book is just a light hearted book with a weird plot twist, but I see so much more.
I see a weak, American man who knows nothing of the culture he is living in and only has the perspective and blinders on that he himself isn’t even aware of. I think it’s about morals and how American’s see themselves and how they see others. He was so annoying!!! Even if he hadn’t been a complete idiot and accidentally offered Anatoly money for sex, I found his entire plan of offering money weak and offensive. Like what kind of man is he? Talk about stereotypes of weak Americans. Sheesh.
But then I remember that this is a COMEDY and meant to be lighthearted, ironic and funny? Except the tone had changed and there wasn’t anything funny in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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