Rating: 
Summary: Gripping, Great read!
Review: I can understand the criticisms from some of the native Ukranians who have reviewed this book. However, this book does a great job of unwinding the chaotic and confusing history of the Ukraine to the western reader. Reid writes with a westerner's perspective yet she truly loves and understands her subject matter. In addition to her tireless reporting, she has translated and deciphered Russian, Polish and Ukranian history to weave a story with great proportion. In addition, Reid is a great writer: the book is both informative and concise; translating history into a comprehensive, interesting read.
Rating:
Summary: Very Enjoyable, and most informative.
Review: I purchased this book for research purposes (I needed some familiarity with Ukraine), and this book more than sufficed. Reid makes her book more of a narrative, providing glimpses at modern Ukraine as an introduction and conclusion to the sections of her history. For my purposes especially, this was invaluable. The book is not only informative, but also enjoyable (something a non-historian like me found refreshing). Reid gives a face to the Ukrainian people, and does well at showing an outsider the past of the nation. It has certainly piqued my curiosity about Ukraine, and what started as a small bit of research has grown into a genuine interest in the region. I think this book would be interesting to anyone, and is a great resource for those particularly interested in Ukraine.
Rating:
Summary: Very Enjoyable, and most informative.
Review: I purchased this book for research purposes (I needed some familiarity with Ukraine), and this book more than sufficed. Reid makes her book more of a narrative, providing glimpses at modern Ukraine as an introduction and conclusion to the sections of her history. For my purposes especially, this was invaluable. The book is not only informative, but also enjoyable (something a non-historian like me found refreshing). Reid gives a face to the Ukrainian people, and does well at showing an outsider the past of the nation. It has certainly piqued my curiosity about Ukraine, and what started as a small bit of research has grown into a genuine interest in the region. I think this book would be interesting to anyone, and is a great resource for those particularly interested in Ukraine.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent insights into a complex country
Review: In journalistic fashion, Anna Reid presents a history of the Ukraine with an eye toward the current situation in this newly independent country. The chapters on the Great Hunger are wrenching to read, but necessary to understand the impact on the country and its people. Since I will be visiting Kiev in a few months, this book was very helpful as an overview to prepare for my trip. Kudos to Ms. Reid for her passion for the Ukraine and the clarity with which she shares it with others.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent introduction into Ukrainian history
Review: In this book, the author effectively presents the major points that have shaped the country that Ukraine is today, and presents it in an engaging style that is not only readable but that also leaves a lasting impression. My wife is originally from Kharkov (in eastern Ukraine), and as a result, I have had the opportunity to visit the country a number of times. I felt that Reid accurately highlighted the cultural and economic differences that exist between the eastern and western parts of Ukraine, and which is a major influence in current Ukrainian politics. In the eastern half (or roughly east of the Dnieper river), Russian is primarily spoken and there is generally little animosity towards Russia. In the western half, however, Ukrainian is the language and speaking Russian can get you killed. Additionally, eastern Ukraine is more heavily industrialized than the agricultural west. Reid also commented on how Ukrainians can switch between using Russian and Ukrainian in different social contexts and how these languages can be combined in everyday talk. My wife once told me that it would be a mark of honor on a person to be able to speak "true" Ukrainian, as opposed to limited Ukrainian with Russian words to fill in the gaps. Although Ukrainian is now the official language for the whole country, this law was made only recently and it remains to be seen how it will affect people's habits. In the last chapter, Reid provides an interesting discussion of contemporary problems facing independent Ukraine, which primarily involve trying to stand tall in the face of neighboring Russia and make a name for themselves. Although the book was originally published in 1997, her commentary in this regard is still relevant today. I have only two complaints with this book. First, and least important, I felt that her discussion of the events of the Russian Civil War and the end of the First World War was too rapid. This part of the book was simply a blur of dates and locations. Surely such a complicated interaction between Ukrainians, Poles, Austro-Hungarians, Germans, and Bolsheviks would deserve a more clear recount. Secondly, and more importantly, my wife and I felt that Reid made a poor choice in the cover design for this book. A casual observer picking up this book may think that Ukraine is nothing more than a bunch of backward peasants tending to their livestock. More justice would have been done to the country by presenting a majestic scene from Kiev, or perhaps the Crimea or L'viv. Nevertheless, this is an excellent book that concisely and entertainingly provides a good introduction to the history of Ukraine, which is sorely needed.
Rating:
Summary: Good one
Review: It is easy to read and for those who never been to Ukraine it creates a real picture. Also interesting for Ukrainians - they would know how foreigner sees their country.
Rating:
Summary: Ukraine-condensed version
Review: Ms Reid presented an excellent review of Ukrainian history, geography, political and socio-economic issues. There are some historical inaccuracies in the book, but one assumes that these data were supplied to the author by both Polish and Russian sources. Otherwise, this a good book for reader interested in getting his "feet wet" on this newly independent nation.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific writing in a compact history
Review: Superb writing, interesting structure, the content you're looking for in a readable but serious history. This is the first book I have read on Ukraine that was thoroughly well-written. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific writing in a compact history
Review: Superb writing, interesting structure, the content you're looking for in a readable but serious history. This is the first book I have read on Ukraine that was thoroughly well-written. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Travelogue
Review: This is a brilliant travelogue that in the best tradition combines both history and culture with tourism and contemporary issues. It is highly recommendable to anyone interested in Ukraine, but who is not necessarily a historian or of that ilk. Once you begin you will be transported to another world and another time. Enjoy!
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