Artem Chapeye’s “T-Happiness” to be published in French in January 2027

Ukrainian writer and serviceman Artem Chapeye’s latest novel will reach French readers next year, bringing a story about war, memory, and the choice between escaping reality and resisting it to a new international audience.

The novel “T-Happiness” (“Т-Щастя”) will be published by French publishing house Calmann-Lévy⁠ on Jan. 13, 2027, under the title “Voir la nuit fléchir et le vent changer.” Translated by Iryna Dmytrychyn, the forthcoming edition will have 198 pages and is listed at 21.90 euros.

Chapeye announced the forthcoming publication⁠ on Facebook on Oct. 15, expressing his excitement about the translation and the growing international interest in his fiction. He said he was particularly pleased that translations of his work were extending beyond his nonfiction writing about Russia’s war against Ukraine, as he primarily considers himself a fiction writer.

The French title refers to a line by French poet Louis Aragon, written in 1942 during the Nazi occupation of France. Chapeye explained that the image of night evokes the darkness of occupation, which he also associates with Russia’s war against Ukraine. He connected this imagery to Russia’s continuing attacks on Ukrainian electricity infrastructure.

According to Chapeye, the title reflects the novel’s central question: whether to retreat into comforting fantasies and an imagined past or confront the present and fight for a different future. He described this as a choice between resistance and capitulation.

“And that there really is a choice. And that the Darkness will pass. But not on its own,” Chapeye wrote.

Originally published in Ukrainian by Publishing House XXI in 2026, “T-Happiness” combines post-apocalyptic fiction with an exploration of psychological trauma. Its protagonist, Viktor, is a former soldier who has undergone an amputation and lives in isolation under occupation, struggling with the consequences of war and the temptation to escape reality.

The novel introduces a fictional technology called Trigger Happiness, or T-Technology, which allows users to control objects and creatures while experiencing their physical sensations, including pain. It also enables them to relive their happiest memories, creating an addictive alternative to reality.

Chapeye said he considered “T-Happiness” his strongest book to date. He also confirmed that the novel was being translated into several languages, although he did not specify which ones.

Calmann-Lévy, established in 1836, is one of France’s longstanding publishing houses. Its publishing history includes works by Honoré de Balzac, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Gustave Flaubert, and Stendhal.

Chapeye’s work has already reached French readers. His novel “Ponaikhaly” appeared in French as “Loin d’ici, près de nulle part” in 2021, translated by Justine Donche-Horetska. His wartime nonfiction was published by Bayard in 2024 as “Les gens ordinaires ne portent pas de mitraillettes,” translated by Iryna Dmytrychyn.

Another French translation of Chapeye’s work has been shortlisted for a literary translation award this year. Nikol Dziub’s translation of his collection “The Ukraine,” published by Éditions Bleu et Jaune, was named among the five finalists⁠ for the 2026 Pierre-François Caillé Prize, which recognises literary translation. The winner is scheduled to be announced in Paris on Nov. 19.

Chapeye’s fiction has also reached English-language readers. His post-apocalyptic novel “The Weathering,” translated by Daisy Gibbons, was published by Seven Stories Press on April 14, 2026. Gibbons also discussed her translation work⁠ in an interview with Chytomo.

Images: Artem Chapeye’s Facebook page