Andrej Kurkov Knihy

V dedine Malá Starogradovka v takzvanej sivej zóne na ukrajinskom Donbase bývajú už len dvaja ľudia: Ukrajinec, včelár Sergejič a jehoV dedine Malá Starogradovka v takzvanej sivej zóne na ukrajinskom Donbase bývajú už len dvaja ľudia: Ukrajinec, včelár Sergejič a jeho „nepriateľ z detstva", prívrženec separatistov Paška, dvaja muži s odlišným pohľadom na život počas podivnej vojny. Včelár sa jedného dňa rozhodne z dediny odísť a odviezť svoje včely na bezpečnejšie územie - najprv na Ukrajinu, potom na Rusmi anektovaný Krym. Ukrajinský spisovateľ Andrej Kurkov sugestívne rozvíja príbehy ľudí, ktorí žijú svoj obyčajný život v nevšedných podmienkach a ktorých každodenná realita je naozaj všetko iné ako všedná. Román Sivé včely bol preložený do vyše dvadsiatich jazykov a autor zaň dostal viacero významných medzinárodných literárnych cien.

Viktor is an aspiring writer with only Misha, his pet penguin, for company. Although Viktor would prefer to write short stories, he earns a living composing obituaries for a newspaper. He longs to see his work published, yet the subjects of his obituaries continue to cling to life. But when he opens the newspaper to see his work in print for the first time, his pride swiftly turns to terror. He and Misha have been drawn into a trap from which there appears to be no escape.

This journal of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine is a collection of Andrey Kurkov's writings and broadcasts from Kyiv.

Set against a backdrop of nostalgia, the narrative unfolds as a joyous caper filled with playful energy. It intertwines magical elements and supernatural twists, creating a whimsical atmosphere. The story evokes a sense of bittersweet longing for a brighter past, blending humor and enchantment to engage readers in an uplifting adventure.

Going beyond the headlines, this title gives an insight into what it's like to live through - and try to make sense of - times of intense political unrest

'Rich, authentic and entertaining' New Statesman Discover the darkly funny follow-up to cult classic Death and the Penguin Viktor - last seen in Death and the Penguin fleeing Mafia vengeance on an Antarctica-bound flight booked for Penguin Misha - seizes a heaven-sent opportunity to return to Kiev with a new identity. Clear now as to the enormity of abandoning Misha, then convalescent from a heart-transplant, Viktor determines to make amends. Viktor falls in with a Mafia boss who engages him to help in his election campaign, then introduces him to men who might further his search for Misha, said to be in a private zoo in Chechnya. What ensues is for Viktor both a quest and an odyssey of atonement, and, for the reader, an experience as rich, topical and illuminating as Death and the Penguin.

'A bittersweet work, tough and touching at the same time. Kurkov's style is spare and effective, drawing us with deceptive ease into a dense, complex world full of wonderful characters' Michael Palin A sharp, engaging satire that delves into Ukraine's history. Moscow, 2013. Bunin, the Ukrainian President, has joined other heads of state in an open air swimming pool to drink vodka and celebrate with Putin. During his rise to power Bunin has juggled with formidable and eccentric political and personal challenges. His troubles with his family and his women combine with his difficulties with corrupt businessmen and demanding international allies, but it is his recent heart transplant that worries him most. Since the operation he has started to develop freckles, and his heart donor's mysterious widow seems to have moved in with him... Spanning forty years, The President's Last Love is a hilarious satire on love, lies and life before and after the Iron Curtain.

A hugely entertaining romp through the beautiful city of Lviv, by the author of Death and the Penguin and Grey Bees, now reporting widely on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, his home country.

**A Summer 2024 pick in the Times Literary Supplement and the Financial Times** "Andrey Kurkov is often called Ukraine's greatest living writer, and it is a gift for crime fiction fans that he writes in this genre" New York Times "A very intriguing and atmospheric novel by a highly accomplished writer . . . A fascinating read in the light of contemporary events" Alexander McCall Smith, Bestselling Author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Kyiv, 1919. The Soviets control the city, but White armies menace them from the West. No man trusts his neighbour and any spark of resistance may ignite into open rebellion. When Samson Kolechko's father is murdered, his last act is to save his son from a falling Cossack sabre. Deprived of his right ear instead of his head, Samson is left an orphan, with only his father's collection of abacuses for company. Until, that is, his flat is requisitioned by two Red Army soldiers, whose secret plans Samson is somehow able to overhear with uncanny clarity. Eager to thwart them, he stumbles into a world of murder and intrigue that will either be the making of him - or finish what the Cossack started. Inflected with Kurkov's signature humour and magical realism, The Silver Bone takes inspiration from the real life archives of crime enforcement agencies in Kyiv, crafting a propulsive narrative that bursts to life with rich historical detail. Translated from the Russian by Boris Dralyuk

Chronicling the ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, this volume presents a vivid portrayal of contemporary Ukrainian life amidst conflict. Through a blend of satire, tragedy, humor, and heartfelt observations, Andrey Kurkov captures the resilience and solidarity of the Ukrainian people. His diary entries reflect on the daily realities of war, including air raids, deportations, and moments of cultural celebration. This work serves as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on Ukraine's history, politics, and enduring identity.