A Small, Stubborn Town: Life, death and defiance in Ukraine

In March 2022, Russian tanks rolled into Voznesensk, Ukraine, expecting an easy fight. But the locals had other ideas. Svetlana, a grandmother with arthritis, reacted in fury when her cottage was turned into a blood-soaked headquarters. Valentin, a lawyer, joined the town's Dads Army defenders, crouching in a trench with an AK-47. 21-year-old Sergei grabbed a Molotov cocktail and lay in wait for Russian tanks. The odds were terrible, but a plan emerged to save Voznesensk and the rest of southern Ukraine. Inside the tanks, Russian officer Igor Rudenko had a secret: he was Ukrainian himself. This is a gripping work of reportage that tells the story of a pivotal moment in Ukraine's war, showcasing the resilience, humor, and ingenuity of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd

In the heart of Ukraine, amidst the snow-covered fields, a town named Voznesensk stands as a symbol of resilience and determination. It is March 2022, and Russian tanks, brimming with weapons and arrogance, prepare to invade this peaceful farming community. However, the locals have other plans.

Svetlana, a grandmother with arthritis, seizes her AK-47 and joins the town's Dads Army defenders, crouching in a trench. Valentin, a quick-witted lawyer, rallies the townspeople, organizing a resistance movement. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Sergei, armed with a Molotov cocktail, waits for the Russian tanks to approach the Dead Water Bridge. The odds are stacked against them, but a glimmer of hope emerges.

A plan is forming, a daring initiative that could change the course of the war. Inside the tanks, a secret unfolds. Russian officer Igor Rudenko, himself a Ukrainian, harbors a deep sense of betrayal. He has been tasked with invading his homeland, but his conscience wrestles with the moral dilemma.

This gripping work of reportage, penned by the talented Andrew Harding, takes us into the heart of the Ukrainian conflict. It is a real-life thriller, showcasing the extraordinary courage and ingenuity of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Harding's characters are unforgettable, their resilience and humor shining through even in the darkest of times.

As the Russian invasion unfolds, Voznesensk becomes a battleground for the soul of Ukraine. The townspeople, united in their resistance, stand firm against the invading forces. Their determination and ingenuity inspire hope and determination across the country.

In the midst of the chaos, Harding's narrative unfolds with precision and empathy. He captures the tension, the fear, and the sheer human cost of war. Through his words, we witness the bravery of the defenders, the resilience of the civilians, and the inner battles of the soldiers.

This book is not just a historical account; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. It reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, ordinary people can rise up and make a difference. Voznesensk's story is a reminder that courage, determination, and unity can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.

As the war continues to unfold, this book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression. It is a call to action, urging us to support the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom and democracy.

In conclusion, "Voznesensk: A Town That Defied the Russian Invasion" is a gripping work of reportage that tells the story of a pivotal moment in Ukraine's war. Through the eyes of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, Harding paints a vivid portrait of resilience, humor, and ingenuity. This book is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression. It is a call to action, urging us to support the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom and democracy.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 142 x 224 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804183793