A Brief History of a Long War - by Mariam Naiem (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A beautifully illustrated and comprehensive graphic history of Ukraine's centuries-long struggle against Russian domination, from the Middle Ages to today's devastating war, by an award-winning journalist and Ukrainian cultural historian

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began long before the 2014 war that led to the Russia's invasion in 2022. The Ukrainian people have been subjected to systematic persecution and mass atrocities by Russian and Soviet authorities across centuries--from the linguicide of the Ukrainian language and censorship of literature in the 1860s to the Holomodor famine of the 1930s, and more.

In A Brief History of a Long War, distinguished Ukrainian scholar, activist, and journalist Mariam Naiem presents a panoramic overview of the major moments in this longstanding conflict. Alongside gripping accounts of the historical foundation of the modern Ukrainian state as we know it today, Naiem seamlessly incorporates current narratives about the harrowing realities of war and the lengths citizens must go to survive.

Featuring gorgeous illustrations by Ukrainian artists Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida, A Brief History of a Long War is an ode to the moments of resistance and resilience from the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's oppressive, colonial history.

Review Quotes

"The book ultimately presents Ukraine's history not as a cycle of victimhood but as an ongoing assertion of national identity . . . A vital work of graphic history and essential reading for those seeking context on the Russia-Ukraine war."--Library Journal

"Informative and inspiring . . . Artists Vus and Kypibid's delicately shaded, innovatively paneled pencil work makes room for just one color: orange--not only for accents, but for backgrounds, walls of flame, and entire crowd scenes. The effect suggests a people inseparable from their drive for freedom. This packs a punch."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Ukraine's history of conflict with Russian invaders is explored with graphic specificity . . . The book paints a powerful picture of a country with a centuries-long mandate to defend and define itself."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Mariam Naiem is an Afghan-Ukrainian scholar, activist, and journalist dedicated to educating the broad English-speaking community on the cultural and historical context of the Russian war in Ukraine. Through keynote speaking engagements, conferences, her own award-winning podcast, lectures, and more, Naiem's objective is to decolonize the discourse on Ukraine and center Ukrainian voices by deconstructing the colonial and racial aspects and practices of Russian culture.

Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida are illustrators and cover designers based in Lyiv, Ukraine.