The Holodomor and the Origins of the Soviet Man: Reading the Testimony of Anastasia Lysyvets

One of the most compelling testimonies of a victim of the Holodomor, the Great Famine of 1932–1933 in Ukraine, is Anastasia Lysyvets' memoir Tell us about a happy life... (Skazhy pro shchaslyve zhyttia...), published in Kyiv in 2009 and now available for the first time in an English translation. Vitalii Ogiienko suggests that the reader adopt an alternative approach to reading that replaces conventional ways of imagining with a focus on the body and identifies mechanisms for transmitting the original Holodomor experience across generations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: ibidem-Verlag, Jessica Haunschild u Christian Schon

Anastasia Lysyvets' memoir, "Tell us about a happy life... (Skazhy pro shchaslyve zhyttia...)," published in Kyiv in 2009 and now available for the first time in an English translation, stands as one of the most poignant testimonies of a victim of the Holodomor, the devastating Great Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine. This orchestrated mass starvation, orchestrated by the Soviet regime, led to millions of deaths due to hunger. The simple village teacher Lysyvets' testimony, written during the 1970s and 1980s without the slightest hope of publication, paints a harrowing portrait of pain, death, and hunger, surpassing the narratives of many others. In his commentary, Vitalii Ogiienko delves into the profound impact of traumatic traces that found their way into Lysyvets' text. He proposes an alternative method of reading that shifts the focus from conventional imagination to the body, enabling the reader to detect the mechanisms of transmission of the original Holodomor experience across generations.

The memoir opens with a vivid description of Lysyvets' childhood in a small Ukrainian village, where life was characterized by simplicity and happiness. However, the onset of the Holodomor marked a drastic change in the lives of the villagers. The crops failed, and the people faced starvation and disease. Lysyvets' family, like many others, struggled to survive.

Despite the dire circumstances, Lysyvets' resilience and determination shone through. She found solace in her faith and her love for her family, and she refused to give up hope. Her testimony is filled with vivid descriptions of the suffering and death that she witnessed, as well as the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

One of the most striking aspects of Lysyvets' memoir is her ability to convey the emotional toll of the Holodomor on her and her family. She describes the pain of watching her loved ones starve to death, the fear and uncertainty that gripped the village, and the sense of loss and despair that permeated every aspect of their lives.

Through her testimony, Lysyvets sheds light on the devastating consequences of the Holodomor and the ongoing legacy of trauma that it has left behind. She highlights the importance of remembering and honoring the victims of such atrocities, as well as the need for social and political change to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Ogiienko's commentary provides valuable insights into the historical context and political implications of the Holodomor. He explains how the Soviet regime orchestrated the famine to suppress Ukrainian nationalism and consolidate its control over the country. He also discusses the role of the international community in responding to the crisis, highlighting the lack of action and the indifference of many countries to the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

One of the most powerful aspects of Lysyvets' memoir is its ability to transcend the boundaries of time and place. Her experiences and emotions are universal, resonating with readers from all walks of life. The Holodomor serves as a reminder of the human capacity for cruelty and the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression.

In conclusion, Anastasia Lysyvets' memoir "Tell us about a happy life... (Skazhy pro shchaslyve zhyttia...)" is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through her vivid descriptions and emotional testimony, Lysyvets sheds light on the Holodomor and its enduring legacy. Ogiienko's commentary provides valuable insights into the historical context and political implications of the famine, highlighting the need for social and political change to prevent such tragedies from happening again. This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human cost of history and the importance of remembering and honoring the victims of such atrocities.

Weight: 233g
Dimension: 21 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783838216164