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Sphere signs English-language edition of A Ukrainian Christmas about ‘indestructibility of hope’
Sphere has signed a new English-language edition of A Ukrainian Christmas by Nadiyka Gerbish and Yaroslav Hrytsak, originally published in Ukraine in 2020.
Cath Burke, deputy managing director of Little, Brown Book Group and Sphere executive publisher, acquired world rights, excluding Russian and Ukrainian translation, from Olena Khirgii at Portal Books, for publication on 3rd November this year.
When first published in December 2020 it was a PEN Ukraine Best Book of 2020 and was longlisted for the BBC News Ukraine Book of the Year 2021. The new English language edition will include a foreword from the authors following the attack by Russia on Ukraine in February this year.
The synopsis reads: “Christmas brings the indestructibility of hope in times of the greatest hopelessness. As long as we celebrate this holiday, we can neither be defeated nor destroyed. This is the message that Ukraine is trying to convey to the world. And this is what our book is about.
“From Christmas music to gifts and food, as well as a look back through the country’s rich and troubled history through the perspective of the festive season, this beautifully illustrated and powerful book introduces readers to Ukraine’s unique Christmas traditions. In a country where East and West meet, this is a fascinating and unmissable guide to capturing the spirit of one of the most important times of year and a powerful reminder of the strength of holding on to your culture and beliefs, even as others try to take everything from you.”
Author Nadiyka Gerbish said: “When I shared the news about the publication of this English-language version of the book with Ukrainian readers, the most common comment was ’I am definitely buying this book for the family that provided us shelter in the UK when the war broke out!’ As a nation, we found a great ally in Great Britain.
“I believe that this book will help nourish the intercultural community that shares not only political convictions but also the joy of Christmas through the warmest practices of sharing food, songs and stories.”
Hrytsak added: “During the current Russian-Ukrainian war, foreign correspondents keep asking me what makes Ukrainian identity. This question is difficult, if possible, to answer: the response is in actions, not words. This book is about how Ukrainians celebrate their Christmas, and I am pleased to share this knowledge with the British readers – as a token of gratitude for the UK’s help during the time of ongoing war and as a sign of hope that they will visit Ukraine during the time of the future peace.”
Olena Karghii, owner and publisher of Portal Books said: “I’ve always dreamt of having a gorgeously illustrated page-turner about Christmas. Not just for believers, but for all intelligent readers. When I met the authors, I was positive that they are going to be the ones who will write a book just like that. And I was not mistaken.
“Most people here in Great Britain know about Ukraine only through the tragedy of this war. I want them to discover a different Ukraine – rich, deep and beautiful.”
