The Length of Days: An Urban Ballad

The Length of Days: An Urban Ballad is a novel by Volodymyr Rafeyenko that combines political analysis, philosophy, poetry, and moral interrogation with elements of magical realism to explore the lives of people in the occupied Donbas after Russia's initial aggression in 2014. It ends on a hopeful note that even death cannot have the final word, as the resilient inhabitants of Z grow in power through reincarnation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The Length of Days: An Urban Ballad is a novel set primarily in the fictional Donbas city of Z, which remarkably foreshadows its symbolic significance since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The book incorporates several embedded narratives attributed to an alcoholic chemist-turned-massage therapist, offering insights into the lives of individuals who remained in the occupied Donbas following Russia's initial aggression in 2014.

Volodymyr Rafeyenko's novel blends elements of magical realism with political analysis, philosophy, poetry, and moral interrogation. It employs witty references to popular culture, both Ukrainian and European, to highlight the international and transnational aspects of Ukrainian literature. The novel concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing that even death cannot hold the ultimate power over the resilient inhabitants of Z, as they grow in strength through reincarnation.

This captivating novel offers a profound exploration of human resilience, the complexities of war, and the enduring spirit of a community determined to overcome adversity. Its vivid portrayal of the Donbas region and its inhabitants adds depth and richness to the narrative, making it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Ukrainian literature and the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674291201