Valerian Pidmohylnyi’s ‘The City,’ a landmark of 20th-century Ukrainian literature, is now available in English translation, offering readers new insight into its themes and narrative. The novel’s protagonist, Stepan Radchenko, embodies the struggles of an individual confronting the urban chaos of Kyiv, expressing a profound longing to conquer rather than despise the city.
Set against the backdrop of Kyiv’s vibrant nightlife on Khreshchatyk Street, the novel delves into the complexities of city life, societal pressures, and personal disillusionment. Through Radchenko’s journey, Pidmohylnyi captures the essence of a generation grappling with identity, purpose, and the weight of urban existence. The novel’s translation into English marks a significant milestone in Ukrainian literary history, bridging cultural gaps and bringing attention to a work that has long been cherished within Ukraine.