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Messages from Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine that dominated headlines around the world. Millions of Ukrainians would flee the country, and a third of the population would be displaced. In the days following the invasion, Swedish migration expert Gregg Bucken-Knapp sent text messages to his Ukrainian colleagues, offering support and assistance. These were their responses.
In a series of graphic vignettes, Messages from Ukraine takes the words of Ukrainian migration professionals and transforms them into snapshots of how war affects the lives of everyday people: those who are forced to flee home and seek safety elsewhere, those who choose to stay and volunteer or fight, those who witness events unfolding from afar, and those who find themselves trapped in cities under siege. Messages from Ukraine captures a moment in time to tell a timeless story about war, displacement, determination, and resilience.
Proceeds from the sale of Messages from Ukraine will go to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, a national charitable foundation that provides humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
Gregg Bucken-Knapp is a professor in the School of Public Administration at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Joonas Sildre is a comic artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. He is the co-founder of the Estonian Comics Society.
In a series of graphic vignettes, Messages from Ukraine takes the words of Ukrainian migration professionals and transforms them into snapshots of how war affects the lives of everyday people: those who are forced to flee home and seek safety elsewhere, those who choose to stay and volunteer or fight, those who witness events unfolding from afar, and those who find themselves trapped in cities under siege. Messages from Ukraine captures a moment in time to tell a timeless story about war, displacement, determination, and resilience.
Proceeds from the sale of Messages from Ukraine will go to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, a national charitable foundation that provides humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
Gregg Bucken-Knapp is a professor in the School of Public Administration at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Joonas Sildre is a comic artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. He is the co-founder of the Estonian Comics Society.
66 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 27, 2022
Messages from Ukraine takes place in the following days and weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. I remember the first events in Ukraine shocked the entire world, and we couldn’t believe how this was even possible in the 21st century. Now, after over six months, war is not nearly over, and we all hope that this absurd war ends as soon as possible.
Gregg from SAYP (Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals) Program sent a message to Ukrainian SAYP Alumni and other Ukrainians to offer them help and support when the war started. Messages from Ukraine is a series of graphic vignettes, messages from Ukrainian people that are actually answers to Gregg’s message. These messages are pretty diverse, and the people who wrote them are very brave. Many don’t want to leave their country and want to help however they can.
Black and white illustrations present each message and the character that sent it in a moving way. In the end, there is more information: a timeline of events, an interview with the authors, and a study guide. The graphic novel is a quick read. It is moving, very sad, and also an inspiring read.
Thanks to University of Toronto Press for the ARC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
Gregg from SAYP (Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals) Program sent a message to Ukrainian SAYP Alumni and other Ukrainians to offer them help and support when the war started. Messages from Ukraine is a series of graphic vignettes, messages from Ukrainian people that are actually answers to Gregg’s message. These messages are pretty diverse, and the people who wrote them are very brave. Many don’t want to leave their country and want to help however they can.
Black and white illustrations present each message and the character that sent it in a moving way. In the end, there is more information: a timeline of events, an interview with the authors, and a study guide. The graphic novel is a quick read. It is moving, very sad, and also an inspiring read.
Thanks to University of Toronto Press for the ARC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
December 14, 2022
EthnoGRAPHIC Ukraine
Review of the University of Toronto Press paperback (October 2022)
Messages from Ukraine is a collaboration between the Ukrainian 🇺🇦 alumni of SAYP*, writer Gregg Bucken-Knapp from Sweden 🇸🇪 and illustrator Joonas Sildre from Estonia 🇪🇪. The book arose from Bucken-Knapp reaching out to the alumni in an offer of housing assistance connections in the event that any of them chose to leave Ukraine for Sweden in the aftermath of the Russian invasion which began on February 24, 2022. The tragic irony of the situation being that the Ukrainian alumni had been studying the issues of migration and were now faced with their own personal confrontations and decisions about the issue in their own homeland. The Ukrainian responses and illustrator Sildre's portrayals form the major portion of the book. The book was done in agreement and consultation with the students involved. An appendix of discussion questions and a workbook section allow for the book to act as a teaching and learning tool.
*The Swedish Institute of Young Professionals.
Trivia and Links
Messages from Ukraine is part of the University of Toronto Press's EthnoGRAPHIC Series.
This groundbreaking series realizes ethnographic research in graphic novel form. The series speaks to a growing interest in comics as a powerful narrative medium and to the desire for a more creative and collaborative anthropology that engages with the public on contemporary issues. Books in the series are informed by scholarship and combine text and images in ways that are accessible, open-ended, aesthetically rich, and that foster greater cross-cultural understanding.
Other books in the series are:
Forecasts: A Story of Weather and Finance at the Edge of Disaster (not yet published, expected May 2023)
The King of Bangkok (2021)
Light in Dark Times: The Human Search for Meaning (2020)
Gringo Love: Stories of Sex Tourism in Brazil (2020)
Things That Art: A Graphic Menagerie of Enchanting Curiosity (2019)
Lissa: A Story about Medical Promise, Friendship, and Revolution (2017)
Review of the University of Toronto Press paperback (October 2022)
Messages from Ukraine is a collaboration between the Ukrainian 🇺🇦 alumni of SAYP*, writer Gregg Bucken-Knapp from Sweden 🇸🇪 and illustrator Joonas Sildre from Estonia 🇪🇪. The book arose from Bucken-Knapp reaching out to the alumni in an offer of housing assistance connections in the event that any of them chose to leave Ukraine for Sweden in the aftermath of the Russian invasion which began on February 24, 2022. The tragic irony of the situation being that the Ukrainian alumni had been studying the issues of migration and were now faced with their own personal confrontations and decisions about the issue in their own homeland. The Ukrainian responses and illustrator Sildre's portrayals form the major portion of the book. The book was done in agreement and consultation with the students involved. An appendix of discussion questions and a workbook section allow for the book to act as a teaching and learning tool.
*The Swedish Institute of Young Professionals.
Trivia and Links
Messages from Ukraine is part of the University of Toronto Press's EthnoGRAPHIC Series.
This groundbreaking series realizes ethnographic research in graphic novel form. The series speaks to a growing interest in comics as a powerful narrative medium and to the desire for a more creative and collaborative anthropology that engages with the public on contemporary issues. Books in the series are informed by scholarship and combine text and images in ways that are accessible, open-ended, aesthetically rich, and that foster greater cross-cultural understanding.
Other books in the series are:
Forecasts: A Story of Weather and Finance at the Edge of Disaster (not yet published, expected May 2023)
The King of Bangkok (2021)
Light in Dark Times: The Human Search for Meaning (2020)
Gringo Love: Stories of Sex Tourism in Brazil (2020)
Things That Art: A Graphic Menagerie of Enchanting Curiosity (2019)
Lissa: A Story about Medical Promise, Friendship, and Revolution (2017)
September 7, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and University of Toronto Press (UTP) for accepting my request to read and review Messages from Ukraine.
Authors: Gregg Bucken-Knapp and Joonas Sildre
Published: 10/11/22
Genre: Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga -- Politics
Quite different than anything else I've read. Is this a graphic novel or Manga? I don't know. On first glance I saw a comic book and my heart dropped. Sometimes I pick up a book because I'm drawn to it, and that is what happened with Messages. Sometimes I shake my head and contemplate will I ever learn. The answer is a resounding no, like today I find more gems than rocks.
Quickly I went from please no, a comic book, to I'm done. There isn't a lot to be said. This is a compilation of conversations regarding safety, food, and emergent needs.The book is beautifully illustrated and like the conversations limited but effective.
Next, there is the appendix making up: A timeline, conversation with the authors, and a study guide. I would use this as a means to explain the effects of war on people, pets, and businesses. This woukd be a good family learning tool. While simple, the impact is huge.
Authors: Gregg Bucken-Knapp and Joonas Sildre
Published: 10/11/22
Genre: Comics, Graphic Novels, Manga -- Politics
Quite different than anything else I've read. Is this a graphic novel or Manga? I don't know. On first glance I saw a comic book and my heart dropped. Sometimes I pick up a book because I'm drawn to it, and that is what happened with Messages. Sometimes I shake my head and contemplate will I ever learn. The answer is a resounding no, like today I find more gems than rocks.
Quickly I went from please no, a comic book, to I'm done. There isn't a lot to be said. This is a compilation of conversations regarding safety, food, and emergent needs.The book is beautifully illustrated and like the conversations limited but effective.
Next, there is the appendix making up: A timeline, conversation with the authors, and a study guide. I would use this as a means to explain the effects of war on people, pets, and businesses. This woukd be a good family learning tool. While simple, the impact is huge.
August 28, 2022
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
This is an honest, humble and quite powerful account of early days of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, where the voice is passed to Ukrainians. The art is simple but meaningful and there is a calendar of events in the end. If it brings awareness to people and make this tragedy louder, then it's great. For a person who is following the news from the war closely and the whole situation of 'ordinary people' is these days a part of our life to some extent, it might feel... underdeveloped could be the right word. Not enough. Not deep enough. Still, it's good that such books are created, even if maybe too soon... I appreciate the fact and I believe that if it can help any Ukrainian it's worth it.
3.5 stars
This is an honest, humble and quite powerful account of early days of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, where the voice is passed to Ukrainians. The art is simple but meaningful and there is a calendar of events in the end. If it brings awareness to people and make this tragedy louder, then it's great. For a person who is following the news from the war closely and the whole situation of 'ordinary people' is these days a part of our life to some extent, it might feel... underdeveloped could be the right word. Not enough. Not deep enough. Still, it's good that such books are created, even if maybe too soon... I appreciate the fact and I believe that if it can help any Ukrainian it's worth it.
October 3, 2022
First, this book shouldn’t have to exist. My country should have stuck up for Ukraine in 2014, instead of doing nothing.
This book is about a group in Sweden reaching out to Ukraine when attacked in 2022 by Dictator Putin. The illustrations are beautiful and it takes your mind off the hell the Ukraines must be experiencing. It’s just heartbreaking to know they are going through it.
The book itself is quick read with wonderful illustrations of what the Ukraines during war time, responded to question if anyone needed to retreat to Sweden. Most are angry and want to stay and help at home.
5 stars.
This book is about a group in Sweden reaching out to Ukraine when attacked in 2022 by Dictator Putin. The illustrations are beautiful and it takes your mind off the hell the Ukraines must be experiencing. It’s just heartbreaking to know they are going through it.
The book itself is quick read with wonderful illustrations of what the Ukraines during war time, responded to question if anyone needed to retreat to Sweden. Most are angry and want to stay and help at home.
5 stars.
October 30, 2022
This was an incredible book which for me was all about human beings and the varied and valid choices they make when faced with something as horrific as war on their doorstep. The daily lives and choices feel both surreal and so relatable. From a mother trying to relocate herself and her son, to people choosing to stay to help in whatever way they can and the prays that their loved ones stay safe. I hope people read this and have even more compassion for these who find themselves on wars doorstep and choose to help no matter how far away they feel from the conflict.
I'll leave you with this final remark from the book:
"For now the only aim is to live through the airstrike."
I'll leave you with this final remark from the book:
"For now the only aim is to live through the airstrike."
January 12, 2023
Out of the many books to come from the invasion of Ukraine, this had the potential to be one of the surprisingly effective and affecting. It might have still managed that, but for several things. The graphic novel aspect of this is barely 60%, and it's not at all long – but do bear in mind the charitable aspect of this. What we have is one man issuing an open door invite to many Ukrainians he knew courtesy of an academic project that helps workers in the refugee, internally displaced and suchlike kind of person field. With Putin's bulldogs at their heels he said succour and a roof could be had in Sweden, and the book adds interpretative imagery to the feedback that mention inspired.
So some say 'no, I'm stopping here where I'm needed', and the artist poses the question as to whether she is therefore in a soup kitchen or yielding a semi-automatic. Some just ask for what they need to give help to others, some might want to leave but cannot, some are definitely on the move. We only drop in slightly to these lives, before finding someone else's response to the suggestion of asylum.
The big deal is that this is better, more interesting and really quite successfully done enough to be of appeal to the General Browser, such as me. The big deal is also that the rest of the book is the subtext and context to this – a timeline, an interview with the creatives who respond in the third person, academically – and this drains the impact from the main pages. Not only does it devolve into a discussion of "comics-based research strategies", and how people can present graphic novels as part of academic discussion of histories and autobiographies, and so on, but it admits the responses have been cropped to just one or two for the purposes of fitting with what the artist wanted to make, and fuller, more rounded narratives provided by the subjects of this have ended up on the cutting room floor.
All told this shows the Ukrainian flavour – the flag is here in grey and white but we damn well know just what shades of colour are on it, after all this time – and we see the lack of consensus in this oddly-selected small group of young, refugee-minded workers and students. They are here speaking from themselves, right in the bloody moment, and of course sort of speaking for Ukraine full stop. But the book offers no full stop before going to the high-falutin' discourse about it all, which is certainly not what the average commuter would want to pick up of a morning. In trying to do too many things at once, and in disguising the editing too much, reducing our links to the characters concerned, this was a curate's egg, and no mistake. But like all interesting failures, it did manage to be have something that remained interesting.
So some say 'no, I'm stopping here where I'm needed', and the artist poses the question as to whether she is therefore in a soup kitchen or yielding a semi-automatic. Some just ask for what they need to give help to others, some might want to leave but cannot, some are definitely on the move. We only drop in slightly to these lives, before finding someone else's response to the suggestion of asylum.
The big deal is that this is better, more interesting and really quite successfully done enough to be of appeal to the General Browser, such as me. The big deal is also that the rest of the book is the subtext and context to this – a timeline, an interview with the creatives who respond in the third person, academically – and this drains the impact from the main pages. Not only does it devolve into a discussion of "comics-based research strategies", and how people can present graphic novels as part of academic discussion of histories and autobiographies, and so on, but it admits the responses have been cropped to just one or two for the purposes of fitting with what the artist wanted to make, and fuller, more rounded narratives provided by the subjects of this have ended up on the cutting room floor.
All told this shows the Ukrainian flavour – the flag is here in grey and white but we damn well know just what shades of colour are on it, after all this time – and we see the lack of consensus in this oddly-selected small group of young, refugee-minded workers and students. They are here speaking from themselves, right in the bloody moment, and of course sort of speaking for Ukraine full stop. But the book offers no full stop before going to the high-falutin' discourse about it all, which is certainly not what the average commuter would want to pick up of a morning. In trying to do too many things at once, and in disguising the editing too much, reducing our links to the characters concerned, this was a curate's egg, and no mistake. But like all interesting failures, it did manage to be have something that remained interesting.
August 29, 2022
*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
This book was not quite what I expected. At first, I was surprised anything involving the war in Ukraine was coming out in the same year it began, but after reading, I understood how it's coming out so quickly. This is a very short book (like, 60ish pages) that shows the text responses the author received from those in Ukraine. Knapp reached out to members of a group that put him on contact with a lot of people living in the area, so he reached out to offer help. The book shows the bold responses, many of which were from those electing to stay. Each page focuses on a different person, with an image accompanying their response. There is no other plot or narrative other than showing these messages to the world, so the human element of these real people living through terrible times is at the heart of this book. While I was expecting more substance, this book was an interesting and well done reminder of the humanity behind war, and the bravery of those facing the war in Ukraine.
This book was not quite what I expected. At first, I was surprised anything involving the war in Ukraine was coming out in the same year it began, but after reading, I understood how it's coming out so quickly. This is a very short book (like, 60ish pages) that shows the text responses the author received from those in Ukraine. Knapp reached out to members of a group that put him on contact with a lot of people living in the area, so he reached out to offer help. The book shows the bold responses, many of which were from those electing to stay. Each page focuses on a different person, with an image accompanying their response. There is no other plot or narrative other than showing these messages to the world, so the human element of these real people living through terrible times is at the heart of this book. While I was expecting more substance, this book was an interesting and well done reminder of the humanity behind war, and the bravery of those facing the war in Ukraine.
October 8, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this comic.
This book, a brief report on the first weeks of the (ongoing, as of this writing) Russo-Ukrainian War through the eyes of individual Ukrainian exchange students, is an interesting snapshot of a very specific moment in time. Its characters are quick sketches of real-life people, students who each make choices to relocate or not for a variety of understandable reasons (patriotism, pragmatism, simple survival). The book's overall approach is similarly matter-of-fact, its linework simple, its contents frank and clear-eyed (and not too graphic, making the book suitable for a young audience as well). Its briefness is simultaneously its greatest strength and weakness: it has the immediacy of a well-worded social media post, but it also feels a little brief. Nevertheless, it is an interesting addition to any library focusing on comics-as-documents and comics-as-ethnography, and those familiar with comics journalism can find things to appreciate. The accompanying timeline of events, literature and appendixes are also hugely useful and instructive.
This book, a brief report on the first weeks of the (ongoing, as of this writing) Russo-Ukrainian War through the eyes of individual Ukrainian exchange students, is an interesting snapshot of a very specific moment in time. Its characters are quick sketches of real-life people, students who each make choices to relocate or not for a variety of understandable reasons (patriotism, pragmatism, simple survival). The book's overall approach is similarly matter-of-fact, its linework simple, its contents frank and clear-eyed (and not too graphic, making the book suitable for a young audience as well). Its briefness is simultaneously its greatest strength and weakness: it has the immediacy of a well-worded social media post, but it also feels a little brief. Nevertheless, it is an interesting addition to any library focusing on comics-as-documents and comics-as-ethnography, and those familiar with comics journalism can find things to appreciate. The accompanying timeline of events, literature and appendixes are also hugely useful and instructive.
November 26, 2022
This was an interesting read. It's a collection of messages sent in the first few weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started in February 2022.
A professor from Sweden reached out to alumni from a program that was hosted in Ukraine and offered them places to stay in Sweden, and this is a series of responses he received. It shows the range of feelings and reactions the people in Ukraine experienced including the determination to stay and fight and provide support or to get as far away from the fighting as possible. It highlights the displacement of war, the love of country, and resilience of people.
It's a short read, and at the end features some information about how and why the collection was made. As well as a study guide, which I could see being useful for a younger audience to discuss in class or at home, or even just critically think about on their own.
Proceeds from the sale of Messages from Ukraine will go to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, a national charitable foundation that provides humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
***Thank you to University of Toronto Press for providing me with the ePub for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.
A professor from Sweden reached out to alumni from a program that was hosted in Ukraine and offered them places to stay in Sweden, and this is a series of responses he received. It shows the range of feelings and reactions the people in Ukraine experienced including the determination to stay and fight and provide support or to get as far away from the fighting as possible. It highlights the displacement of war, the love of country, and resilience of people.
It's a short read, and at the end features some information about how and why the collection was made. As well as a study guide, which I could see being useful for a younger audience to discuss in class or at home, or even just critically think about on their own.
Proceeds from the sale of Messages from Ukraine will go to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, a national charitable foundation that provides humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
***Thank you to University of Toronto Press for providing me with the ePub for free via NetGalley for an unbiased review.
March 23, 2023
Messages from Ukraine is a snapshot of a series of human connections in the early days of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. We watch the responses roll in as author Gregg Bucken-Knapp, a professor at the University of Gothenburg, texts his Ukrainian alumni, asking them if they would like help coming to Sweden. The responses, illustrated in black and white by Joonas Sildre, range from many declarations of wanting to stand and fight, stay and help, to requests for supplies, to a few who where out of the country already, to a smaller number interested in the Swedish offer.
The illustrations are simple, which emphasizes the lack of details in the text - some of the alumni stay to help, and the artist draws multiple versions of what that vague statement might mean. It also lends an extra innocence to the portraits of people's children, elders, and pets (dogs, cats, even a gerbil).
Since it is a short book illustration very brief interactions over a fairly short span of time, there isn't a lot of depth here. But what the book does do, it does well.
Note: I read an eARC from NetGalley, so some changes may have been made to the final published version.
The illustrations are simple, which emphasizes the lack of details in the text - some of the alumni stay to help, and the artist draws multiple versions of what that vague statement might mean. It also lends an extra innocence to the portraits of people's children, elders, and pets (dogs, cats, even a gerbil).
Since it is a short book illustration very brief interactions over a fairly short span of time, there isn't a lot of depth here. But what the book does do, it does well.
Note: I read an eARC from NetGalley, so some changes may have been made to the final published version.
September 8, 2022
A person in Sweden, having to do with a Baltic Sea regional organization of young professionals, reached out to other alumni of that group that were from Ukraine during the 1st 4 weeks of the Russian invasion in Feb 2022.....offering to help them find safety out of that country. This short graphic novel type book....explains those short texts/messages, & the accompanying simple, yet compelling drawings represent what the author was imagining was happening ..... as he received those messages. At the end is a timeline of events occurring corresponding to the messages, & also an explanation as to how the book was made/put together. A study guide is also included. This book is well done, & offers a bit of a window into what was happening to people & how they were feeling.... in a war torn area of the world in Feb/Mar '22.
I received a complimentary e-ARC from University of Toronto Press via NetGalley, in exchange for reading it & providing my own fair & honest review.
I received a complimentary e-ARC from University of Toronto Press via NetGalley, in exchange for reading it & providing my own fair & honest review.
September 30, 2022
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
This graphic novel is a short but impactful selection of stories from Ukrainians around the world being impacted by the horrible Russian invasion. For me, it is an impactful story as I have a “sister” (so close but not blood) who is Ukrainian and had to flee the country. Her story is one of many, trying to find shelter in her home country but eventually having to leave and leave behind her family who wanted to stay. Hearing her story everyday and hoping that she was finding a refugee was something my family and I were witnessing every day. Thankfully she’s safe in Canada but her family is still there fighting to take back Ukraine. Although I don’t know that many of my students would read this graphic novel, I think it’s a powerful read about what is happening in Ukraine. What I loved most about it is it showcased how much Ukrainians value and love their country - it was something we saw with our sister and it shone through in these small stories.
This graphic novel is a short but impactful selection of stories from Ukrainians around the world being impacted by the horrible Russian invasion. For me, it is an impactful story as I have a “sister” (so close but not blood) who is Ukrainian and had to flee the country. Her story is one of many, trying to find shelter in her home country but eventually having to leave and leave behind her family who wanted to stay. Hearing her story everyday and hoping that she was finding a refugee was something my family and I were witnessing every day. Thankfully she’s safe in Canada but her family is still there fighting to take back Ukraine. Although I don’t know that many of my students would read this graphic novel, I think it’s a powerful read about what is happening in Ukraine. What I loved most about it is it showcased how much Ukrainians value and love their country - it was something we saw with our sister and it shone through in these small stories.
October 1, 2022
This seemingly simple book with graphic illustrations shows a slice of Ukrainian reactions as their country is being invaded by Russia. The story opens with a colleague in another country offering refuge to Ukrainian friends who need to escape the war. The varied responses are heartbreaking and inspiring. Some are surrounded so can't get out, others have the care of family. Most though, while thankful for the kind offer of refuge, have no intention of leaving because they're staying and fighting, or staying and helping in the war effort in another way.
It's an interesting contrast: When Ukraine is attacked, its citizens stay and fight. When Putin says Russia is under attack, its citizens flee
This book is short and of course has no ending but it's a useful introduction for students who want to understand what it feels like to have your country attacked. The end notes include a discussion guide.
Timely and important.
It's an interesting contrast: When Ukraine is attacked, its citizens stay and fight. When Putin says Russia is under attack, its citizens flee
This book is short and of course has no ending but it's a useful introduction for students who want to understand what it feels like to have your country attacked. The end notes include a discussion guide.
Timely and important.
August 26, 2022
I received an eARC from NetGalley and The University of Toronto Press in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: October 11 2022
Simple and understated, this collection of texts from inside Ukraine during the war displays the tenacity of the human spirit and the frustrations of everyday people during difficult times. The editor has wisely chosen to have the texts illustrated to bring the text to life for the reader. Often the texts are simple, to the point, and not meant to mean more than what they are.... but they do mean more. I did appreciate this effort. If I can say any negative thing, it is that I feel that the history of what was going on during the texts should have been, maybe interspersed throughout the texts rather than at the back of the book in an appendix. I think we reading through the timeline might have given the texts even more power.
Publication date: October 11 2022
Simple and understated, this collection of texts from inside Ukraine during the war displays the tenacity of the human spirit and the frustrations of everyday people during difficult times. The editor has wisely chosen to have the texts illustrated to bring the text to life for the reader. Often the texts are simple, to the point, and not meant to mean more than what they are.... but they do mean more. I did appreciate this effort. If I can say any negative thing, it is that I feel that the history of what was going on during the texts should have been, maybe interspersed throughout the texts rather than at the back of the book in an appendix. I think we reading through the timeline might have given the texts even more power.
August 30, 2022
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am not from Europe. Thus I am not as emotionally invested in Ukraine as others. So I find it hard to care for the events in the book, especially as I have read similar things in newspapers, which provide much more details.
In summary, the book is a narrative about the Ukranians' reactions to the war. But they are no ordinary Ukrainians, they are alumni of some Swedish organization programme. Thus I don't think this reflects the ordinary Ukrainian perspective.
I admit the drawings are nice and clean. But yet due to how clean they are, they feel... commercial in a sense. They would be memorable if the drawings were rawer, and if there were more imperfections. Perhaps the sketches from the draft. as mentioned in the closing notes would be more memorable.
I am not from Europe. Thus I am not as emotionally invested in Ukraine as others. So I find it hard to care for the events in the book, especially as I have read similar things in newspapers, which provide much more details.
In summary, the book is a narrative about the Ukranians' reactions to the war. But they are no ordinary Ukrainians, they are alumni of some Swedish organization programme. Thus I don't think this reflects the ordinary Ukrainian perspective.
I admit the drawings are nice and clean. But yet due to how clean they are, they feel... commercial in a sense. They would be memorable if the drawings were rawer, and if there were more imperfections. Perhaps the sketches from the draft. as mentioned in the closing notes would be more memorable.
August 26, 2022
Thank you so much Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange of honest opinion!
It's shocking how a book can be equally heartbreaking and empowering. The idea itself is brilliant and I thought it was perfectly executed. The replies contained raw emotions that touched my heart and imagining the situation they were facing shook me to my core. Highly recommended! There are also several questions and study guide at the end of the book. I loved the questions and reading about how this book came into existence. I hope you'll give it a read too.
It's shocking how a book can be equally heartbreaking and empowering. The idea itself is brilliant and I thought it was perfectly executed. The replies contained raw emotions that touched my heart and imagining the situation they were facing shook me to my core. Highly recommended! There are also several questions and study guide at the end of the book. I loved the questions and reading about how this book came into existence. I hope you'll give it a read too.
September 9, 2022
This graphic novel was an excellent reminder that the War on Ukraine by Russia isn’t just some far off thing, there are real people who are continuing to live through it.
These messages come from those first weeks, and now here we are months later and the Ukrainian people still continue to endure.
Joonas Sildre’s graphic style is pleasing to look at and captures a lot of emotions and atmosphere with simple design.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
These messages come from those first weeks, and now here we are months later and the Ukrainian people still continue to endure.
Joonas Sildre’s graphic style is pleasing to look at and captures a lot of emotions and atmosphere with simple design.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 29, 2022
Set in the early days of the Ukraine invasion, we learn more about the people who have bravely endured this horrible assault. Citizens, who you would not have thought capable of doing so, stood up to protect their country and their neighbors. Wonderful book that I hope will keep attention on what continues to happen today.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an e-ARC in exchange for me honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an e-ARC in exchange for me honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 14, 2023
Sadly, this didn't do anything for me; I wanted to love it, because the publisher's writeup made it sound like it was right up my alley. I'm often happy to accept the fact that books require to be read at the right time, and that might be the case here. I also freely admit that graphic novels sometimes just don't reach me.
October 2, 2022
A visual, graphic view depicting the early days of Russias onslaught of the invasion of Ukraine. What stands out are the diverse testimonials from the voices of people determined to survive this cruel expression of political gain.
December 21, 2022
Just go read it, and don't forget to read the appendixes at the end. And check out the author's recommendations for further reading if you want a larger picture of what is happening.
March 10, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Toronto Press for access to a digital copy of Messages from Ukraine by Gregg Bucken-Knapp and Joonas Sildre in exchange for an honest review.
CW: war
This was such a deeply personal and emotional collection of letters and updates from Ukrainian citizens in the immediate aftermath of the Russian invasion. The vulnerability, strength, and resilience of these messages are resounding.
My only criticism is that I wish the publication of the book would have been pushed a little later so that the authors may have had the opportunity to include additional follow up. Since it's still an ongoing world event, this is very much a live document which will have value over time and be able to offer insights about the beginning days of the conflict, but it could be added to.
CW: war
This was such a deeply personal and emotional collection of letters and updates from Ukrainian citizens in the immediate aftermath of the Russian invasion. The vulnerability, strength, and resilience of these messages are resounding.
My only criticism is that I wish the publication of the book would have been pushed a little later so that the authors may have had the opportunity to include additional follow up. Since it's still an ongoing world event, this is very much a live document which will have value over time and be able to offer insights about the beginning days of the conflict, but it could be added to.
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