Serhiy Zhadan’s Facebook diary published in Germany

German publishing house Suhrkamp Verlag released a new book by Serhiy Zhadan Himmel über Charkiw: Nachrichten vom Überleben im Krieg (The Sky over Kharkiv: Updates on War). This was announced by the writer on his Facebook page.

The book features Zhadan’s social media posts since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

“When I posted something on Facebook everyday, recording something or reacting to something, I didn’t see the actual book behind it, to be honest. But my German friends compiled everything and suggested publishing. I haven’t even reread it, decided it wouldn’t be fair towards the reality,” comments the writer.

Soon, the book will be published in the USA, Poland, and Denmark.

“He has no time for Journaling. Serhiy Zhadan roams around shelled Kharkiv day and night – evacuates kids and elderly from Kharkiv suburbs, delivers food for people, coordinates military supplies, and holds concerts. His social media posts document his war experience and cheer up Kharkiv citizens,” goes in the annotation to the book.

In Ukraine the book won’t be published though. “You’re following me on Facebook either way, why would you need the book,” comments Zhadan.

You can buy the book here, it costs €20. The book will hit German bookstores in a week.

It shall be reminded, that earlier this year Serhiy Zhadan has received Hannah Arendt Prize for Political Thought and the Peace Prize of German Publishers and Booksellers (Friedenspreis des Deutschen Buchhandels).

Photos: suhrkamp.de, amazon.de, facebook.com/serhiy.zhadan