The Language of War

The Language of War is a book about the invasion of Ukraine, written by Oleksandr Mykhed and his family, friends, and those who have fought and witnessed atrocities. It is a record and a reckoning, asking how to find the words to describe a new reality and make sense of the world when the only language you can speak is the language of war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

A TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEAR, "When Everyday Life Becomes a State of Emergency, How Can Yesterdays Words Suffer?" is a powerful and haunting account of the invasion of Ukraine by Oleksandr Mykhed. The book brings together Mykhed's vivid day-by-day chronicles of the invasion with a chorus of other voices, including his family, friends in exile, and those who have fought and witnessed unimaginable atrocities. It is both a record and a reckoning, asking how it is possible to find the words to describe a new reality and how you can still make sense of the world when the only language you can speak is the language of war.

The book begins with Mykhed's life in a quiet European suburb with his wife and dog. His parents have bought an apartment nearby, and on weekends, they go out for brunch, cook, and see friends. Life is good; it is normal. Then the invaders come.

The Language of War is about what happens when your world changes overnight. When you wake up to the sound of helicopters and the smell of gunpowder. When your home is hit by shells or broken into by gunmen, and you spend another night in a basement-turned-bomb shelter. When, even though you've never held a weapon before, you realize the only choice is to fight back. It is about things one can never forget or forgive.

Mykhed's chronicles are vivid and harrowing, and they bring the reader into the heart of the invasion. He describes the chaos and destruction, the fear and the pain, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. He also describes the atrocities committed by the Russian army, including the torture and murder of civilians.

One of the most powerful aspects of the book is the way it brings together different voices. Mykhed's family, friends in exile, and those who have fought and witnessed unimaginable atrocities provide a unique perspective on the invasion. They offer their own stories and experiences, and they help to humanize the conflict.

The book also raises important questions about the role of the media in the invasion. Mykhed argues that the media has played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and has contributed to the spread of misinformation and propaganda. He calls for greater transparency and accountability in the media, and he urges people to seek out alternative sources of information.

Despite the darkness of the invasion, the book also offers hope. Mykhed describes the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the strength of their spirit. He also describes the efforts of humanitarian organizations and volunteers to help those affected by the invasion.

In conclusion, "When Everyday Life Becomes a State of Emergency, How Can Yesterdays Words Suffer?" is a powerful and haunting account of the invasion of Ukraine by Oleksandr Mykhed. It brings together Mykhed's vivid day-by-day chronicles of the invasion with a chorus of other voices, and it raises important questions about the role of the media in the invasion. Despite the darkness of the invasion, the book also offers hope.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 215 x 135 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241690840