Cliché as it sounds, Christmas is a season of giving. For book lovers, few gifts feel more personal and thoughtful than a carefully chosen book.
This year, the Ukrainian Institute of the Book (Український Інститут Книги) together with the Ukrainian cultural center Spilka, are organizing a literary flashmob calling on Ukrainians abroad to gift Ukrainian books in translation to their local friends and loved ones. For Ukrainian book lovers, selecting a Ukrainian book as a gift this Christmas is more than just a literary gesture; it becomes an opportunity to share our rich and, for many in the West, little-known culture and heritage.
VATAHA is proudly joining this initiative. Whether it’s a classic novel, contemporary fiction, or a beautifully illustrated children’s book, gifting a Ukrainian book is a way to celebrate Ukrainian culture, stories and creative voices. If you’re scrambling to find that perfect last-minute gift, look no further! To help inspire you, the VATAHA editorial team and friends have put together this list with some of our favorites. Whether it’s for your neighbors or your in-laws, we hope there’s something special to pique everyone’s interest.
If you want to learn about Ukrainian Christmas traditions, we suggest…
Kerst in Oekraïne by Nadijka Gerbisch and Jaroslaw Hryzak
This beautifully illustrated book perfectly conveys the warmth and magic of Christmas in Ukraine. From traditional dishes like kutia (a sweet wheat dish) to caroling and rituals steeped in centuries-old folklore, with its vibrant illustrations, it offers readers a cozy window into Ukrainian culture, capturing the spirit of togetherness and joy that defines the holiday season.
suggested by Olena Poburko
If you want to explore Ukrainian culture through its flavors, try…
Summer Kitchens by Olia Hercules
When you think of Ukrainian literature, a cookbook may not come first to mind. But Olia Hercules’ exploration of Ukrainian cuisine is more than just an ingredient list and cooking instructions. Her heartfelt prose shares the stories of the women she selected and cooked each recipe with, her own childhood memories, cultural folklore and ingredient provenance. This is the perfect low-threshold gift for someone who is eager to explore both Ukrainian culture and new recipes, for food is the language everyone speaks.
suggested by Anni Schleicher
For a moving story that intertwines family history with the larger struggles of a nation, we suggest…
A Dutch reader would likely find it intriguing to explore Ukraine through a distinctly Dutch perspective. Lisa Weeda’s novel, Aleksandra, offers just such an opportunity. This captivating story delves into themes of family and the search for roots, weaving together reality and mysticism. Drawing from true events in the author’s family history—specifically her Ukrainian grandmother Aleksandra’s deportation to Germany in 1942—the book provides a lens through which to understand Ukraine’s tumultuous past century, including the Russian invasion of 2014.
What is this country where the scent of dill seems omnipresent, as the author vividly describes? The best way to immerse oneself in its culture and history is by savoring this enchanting novel, a perfect companion for cozy winter evenings.
suggested by Daria Lysenko
For a heartbreaking yet profound reflection on war and its personal impact, consider...
De dood van een soldaat verteld door zijn zus by Olesya Khromeychuk
Olesya wrote a touching and extremely personal book. In a time where families gather around Christmas trees and eat together, we miss people around the table. Like a brother, who was once a soldier. Olesya shares beautiful stories about being a Ukrainian living abroad, about distance, mourning and memory. It is a touching and necessary story, whatever season you read it.
suggested by Lisa Weeda
If you want to understand the complexities of decolonization in Ukraine and beyond, try…
Russian Colonialism 101 by Maksym Eristavi
For readers interested in understanding Ukraine’s past and present, “Russian Colonialism 101: An Illustrated Guide” by Maksym Eristavi is an essential read. This visually engaging book offers an accessible yet deeply insightful introduction to the topic of russian imperialism and its enduring impact on Ukraine and the broader region.
Through sharp analysis and striking illustrations, Eristavi demystifies colonial narratives, debunks myths perpetuated by russian propaganda, and highlights the resilience of Ukrainian culture. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to grasp the roots of the ongoing war and the cultural dynamics shaping Ukraine today.
Whether you’re new to the subject or familiar with Ukraine’s history, this book offers a compelling perspective that is both informative and thought-provoking. Perfect for readers eager to broaden their understanding of Ukraine’s fight for independence and identity.
suggested by Dasha Lohvynova
If you want to discover Ukrainian contemporary art through a book, we suggest…
Kaleidoscope of (Hi)stories – Hedendaagse kunst uit Oekraïne
This book is a catalog of art pieces from two huge exhibitions of Ukrainian art from over the past 100 years, which took place in Dresden and Zwolle. I found it to be a wonderful visual guide to modern and contemporary art of Ukraine. It’s important to me because I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition at De Fundatie in Zwolle and see the original works that I have never seen before.This book would make a great gift for those who want to discover Ukrainian art, both Ukrainians and the Dutch. In addition, the edition is of very high quality, beautiful and pleasant to hold in your hands.
suggested by Ihor Sukhorukov from Nomadische Boekenplank
For those still searching for the perfect book, here are more captivating books that delve into Ukraine’s complex past and vibrant culture…
- Het Internaat by Serhi Zjadan
- Vorosjylovhrad by Serhi Zjadan
- De poorten van Europa by Serhii Plokhy
- Vlucht in de Taiga by Iwan Bahrjany
- De taal van oorlog by Oleksandr Myched
- Vinvis der vergetelheid by Tanja Maljartschuk
- Spullen brengen by Jelle Brandt Corstius
- Elena, berichten uit de schuilkelder by Iris Koppe
- My Mom Wants to Go Back Home by Hanna Hrabarska
- Vermoorde Dichters Almanak
We hope this list inspires you to give something meaningful this Christmas. And while you’re thinking about sharing the gift of culture, we’d like to offer you an opportunity to support Ukrainian communities in the Netherlands. Through the Tales of EUkraine project, we’re providing bilingual Dutch-Ukrainian children’s books to Ukrainian organizations. If you’re interested in receiving these books, simply fill out the form below (in Dutch):
VATAHA wishes you a merry Christmas, filled with warmth, reflection, and the joy of giving. Fijne feestdagen! Веселих свят і смачної куті 🙂