Book 9786175852491

This book is widely praised as an exceptional and essential work for understanding the Sixtiers movement in Ukrainian history. Reviewers consistently highlight its ability to provide deep insight into the movement's origins, key figures, and events, moving beyond textbook portrayals to present these individuals as complex, living people rather than idealized historical figures. The author's extensive research, spanning over a decade and including interviews with surviving Sixtiers and their families, is highly commended. The narrative is described as engaging, easy to read, and captivating, enriched by numerous excerpts from diaries, letters, and poetry, which immerse the reader in the period's atmosphere and the personal lives of its protagonists. Many readers found the book to be a crucial step in understanding Ukrainian culture and history, generating a strong sense of connection to the past and its enduring relevance.

Despite its many strengths, some readers noted specific areas for improvement. A few reviewers found the placement of illustrative materials somewhat disjointed and observed a lack of feminatives in the text. There was also a recurring sentiment that the author may have deliberately avoided certain topics that could cast a negative light on the figures discussed, presenting them in a perhaps overly idealized manner. Furthermore, some felt that the book's coverage of the period after 1965 became less detailed, with certain later developments or relationships among the Sixtiers feeling condensed or incomplete, leaving a desire for more information, especially concerning events post-1972. One reviewer also mentioned finding the initial historical context chapters somewhat slow, though the majority of the book was compelling.

Overall, this book comes highly recommended as a must-read for anyone interested in Ukrainian history and culture, particularly those seeking to understand the Sixtiers movement in a nuanced, humanized way. It is considered a pivotal work for fostering national consciousness and providing a vital context for contemporary Ukrainian identity and its ongoing struggles. The book is suitable for a broad audience, from those new to the topic to those already familiar with the Sixtiers, as it offers both a comprehensive introduction and fresh perspectives that challenge conventional understandings. It is lauded as a profound and timely exploration of intellectual courage and resistance against an oppressive system, inspiring readers to delve deeper into the works of the Sixtiers themselves.