Ukraine: Then and Now

“Ukraine is a nation on the brink of momentous change.” Providing a comprehensive overview of Ukrainian history, this informative text mainly focuses on the country’s fraught relationship with Russia and the oppression brought on by both Russian imperialism and communism. While the passages detailing life under Stalin—his purges, staged famines, and prisoner camps—are undoubtedly grim, they are counterbalanced by interesting insights into Ukrainian pop culture, such as discussion of contemporary hip-hop music (“Ukr-hop”) and famous literary figures. Other focal points of interest include the impact of Chernobyl, health crises such as polio and HIV, and the role that bribes play in Ukranian culture. With events covered through mid-2014, readers are given a current and relevant look into the still-ongoing cycle of political and cultural revolution. An “Important Events in Ukraine” time line opens the book. Back matter contains source notes, a list of facts about Ukraine, as well as suggested books and Web sites, further reading, and an index.