Ivan and Phoebe

Ivan and Phoebe is a novel that explores the lives of young people involved in the Ukrainian student protests of the 1990s, navigating the challenges of a society transitioning from subjugation to revolution to post-Soviet rule. The story follows married couple Ivan and Phoebe, who grapple with questions about family, tragedy, and independence. It bounces between politically charged cities and Ivan's small hometown, showcasing the complexities of post-Soviet society and family life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 425 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Deep Vellum Publishing

Ivan and Phoebe is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of several young individuals who were actively involved in the Ukrainian student protests of the 1990s, also known as the Revolution on Granite or the First Maidan. The book explores the challenges and absurdities of a society transitioning from subjugation to revolution to post-Soviet rule.

The story revolves around the married couple Ivan and Phoebe, who face profound questions about family, tragedy, and independence. While Ivan serves as the protagonist, Phoebe's voice resonates throughout the text, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The couple reflects on the harrowing aftermath of the revolution, including the torture they experienced at the hands of the KGB and each other.

Ivan, in particular, struggles to confront his pain, while Phoebe uses poetic monologues to recount her past wounds. The story alternates between politically charged cities like Kyiv and Lviv and Ivan's small, traditional hometown of Uzhhorod. As characters begin to exercise their rights to free speech and protest, they are forced to reevaluate the norms of marriage and home life, which initially appear to be spaces of peace and harmony. However, they soon reveal themselves to be hotbeds of conflict and multigenerational trauma.

Through her vivid and authentic characters, Oksana Lutsyshyna paints a his-and-her-story of Ukraine, offering a panoramic view of post-Soviet society and family life amidst social, political, and economic crises. The novel sheds light on the complexities of Ukrainian history, culture, and society, providing a rich and nuanced portrayal of the country's challenges and triumphs.

Ivan and Phoebe is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, offering a poignant reflection on the power of resilience, love, and the pursuit of freedom. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern Ukraine and the ongoing struggle for social and political change.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 150 x 223 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646052622