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Borderland

A Journey Through the History of Ukraine

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Borderland

By: Anna Reid
Narrated by: Anna Reid
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'A fascinating and often violent odyssey, spanning more than 1,000 years of conflict and culture'
INDEPENDENT

Flat, fertile, and fatally tempting to invaders, for centuries Ukraine was fought over by more powerful neighbours. Though its modern national movement dates back to the early nineteenth century, it did not win real independence until 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Since then, Ukrainians have proved themselves one of the world's most remarkable nations. In 2014 mass demonstrations forced out a corrupt pro-Russian president. Russia responded by invading, first seizing Crimea and the eastern Donbass, and then in February 2022 marching on Kyiv. With Western help, Ukraine is fighting back. But in what form it will emerge from the war - the bloodiest in Europe since 1945 - remains to be seen.

For this fourth edition of her classic history, Anna Reid returns to the scene. Talking to refugees, politicians and victims of widespread Russian war crimes, she adds a new chapter to the complex biography of a country on the frontline of the conflict between democracy and dictatorship. 20th Century Eastern Europe Military Modern Politics & Government Russia War Soviet Union Imperialism Socialism

Critic reviews

Beautifully written and lovingly researched ... This book brims with colourful historical personalities ... The mixture of travelogue, history, political analysis and anecdote makes Anna Reid's account a highly digestible popular introduction to the tragic plight of a country whose very name means "Borderland". "The West ... had difficulty taking Ukraine seriously at all," she writes. Her first (and I hope not her last) book is a noble and praiseworthy attempt to correct this gross historical injustice
Gripping history ... [Reid] writers with authority having lived for three years in Kiev as a reporter ... [she] is remarkably clear-headed about the many competing versions of Ukraine's history and its mostly invented heroes. A wise and generous government in Kiev would give her a medal
A beautifully written evocation of Ukraine's brutal past and its shaky efforts to construct a better future ... Reid succeeds in vividly conjuring up dozens of little-know heroes and villains of Ukrainian history ... Reid summons up the rogues and poets of Ukraine's past with a deft touch, but her real theme is the tragedy which has been Ukraine's lot for much of its history ... Borderland is a tapestry woven of the stories of all its inhabitants, recording their triumphs and their conflicts with the fairness of a compassionate outsider
This book takes the reader on a fascinating and often violent odyssey, spanning more than 1,000 years of conflict and culture. Reid covers events from the coming of the Vikings, to Stalin's purges and beyond to the independence celebrations of 19991. She translates her obvious mastery of her subject into an accessible work, which should enrich the experience of any traveller to this new country
Anne Reid ... has sharp vision and an enquiring mind which launched her on a journey through the country's history to help her make sense of what she saw. Often controversial but never stuffy, she takes her reader at the same time on a tour of Ukraine, relating past events to a modern context ... [she] proves herself an astute observer of the Ukrainian scene
A compelling and improbably enjoyable read ... Despite its problems [Reid] says, the country has the potential to be one of Europe's greatest states
All stars
Most relevant
A well read and informative book about both the history and the early days of the current war.

Informative and well read

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Really enjoyed this book and it’s given me great insight into a complex political situation. The war puts Russia in the wrong, but there are many other historical wrongs on both sides. Ukraine is not unlike Ireland in some respects with Protestant Scots taking the place of colonising Russian speakers. I understand things better but still have no solution. Perhaps Donald Trump really can sort it in 24 hours?

Complicated history made enjoyable

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a view easy listen. accessible to anyone interested in learning more about Ukraine especially it's history.

I love the way the first part was written in the 90s and hasn't been updated. so it's a proper look back in time.

part 2 gives a thorough account of Ukraine's history since the 90s including up until the summer of 2022. whilst it's easy to follow it's difficult as you know how much the Ukrainians are suffering right this second.

I think everyone should read this book or listen to the audible version.

well done Anna Reid.

An excellent book on Ukraine - highly recommended

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….and I have listened to a lot! An absolute masterpiece. Thank you Anna Reid. Beautifully written, beautifully read. I feel I know so much more than I did before and can understand the context of current affairs in so much more of an informed way. I loved the way this book brings in real characters/people of Ukraine along the way rather than just citing facts/opinions/other writers. An incredible book.

The best history of Ukraine I have listened to

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