BBC News Ukraine Announces 2024 Book of the Year Winners
Ukrainian Literature Thrives Amidst War: BBC Announces 2024 Book of the Year Winners
Kyiv, Ukraine – In a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, the BBC Ukrainian service announced the winners of its prestigious 2024 Book of the Year awards on December 12th. Marking the 20th anniversary of the awards, the ceremony, held at the “Sens” bookstore in Kyiv, celebrated the resilience and vibrancy of Ukrainian literature in the face of ongoing conflict.
This year’s winners, chosen from a record number of submissions, offer a diverse glimpse into the ukrainian experience. Yulia Ilyukha’s poignant ”My Women” (Мої жінки) took home the top prize, captivating readers with its intimate portrayals of women navigating life and loss amidst war.
The Children’s Book of the Year award went to Grasya Oliyko’s “And this is not made up!” (І ніякі це не вигадки!), a collection of lighthearted stories offering a much-needed escape for young readers and their families.
Rounding out the winners is Yuriy Roketsky’s “it’s all cool!” Serhiy Kuzminsky and Braty Hadiukiny (“Всьо чотко!” Сергій Кузьмінський і “Брати Гадюкіни”), a compelling exploration of a cult Ukrainian rock band and its role in resisting totalitarianism.
“Our three winners showcase the rich variety of issues explored by writers,” said Marta Shokalo, BBC News Ukraine editor and Awards panel member. “Yulia Ilyukha’s work conjures up indelible images, Grasya Oliyko offers a much-needed respite, and Yuriy Roketsky’s study harkens back to the power of music as protest.”
British Ambassador to Ukraine, martin Harris, lauded the awards, stating, “For two decades, the BBC Ukrainian service has celebrated the best of Ukrainian literature.Today, as Ukraine bravely defends its independence, its literary scene is more dynamic than ever, telling the story of this great nation.”
Svitlana Pyrkalo, a writer and former BBC journalist who co-founded the award 20 years ago, highlighted the remarkable growth of Ukrainian literature. ”Despite repeated destruction of printing presses by Russian missiles,we have seen submissions nearly double since the full-scale invasion,” she said. “This wealth of worthy books makes judging a challenging but welcome task.”
Each winning author receives a prize of £1,000, and their publishers gain the right to display the prestigious BBC News Ukraine Book Awards logo on subsequent editions.
the 2024 judging panel included Vira Ageyeva, Vitaliy Chepynoha, Vitaly Chernetsky, Svitlana Pyrkalo, and Marta Shokalo.
The BBC News Ukraine Book of the Year awards are a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire, comfort, and connect, even in the darkest of times.
Ukrainian Literature Thrives Amidst War: BBC Announces 2024 Book of the Year Winners
Kyiv, Ukraine – In a powerful display of the enduring strength of storytelling, the BBC Ukrainian service announced the winners of it’s prestigious 2024 Book of the Year awards on December 12th. Marking the 20th anniversary of the awards, the ceremony held at the ”Sens” bookstore in Kyiv, celebrated the resilience and vibrancy of Ukrainian literature in the face of ongoing conflict.
This year’s winners, chosen from a record number of submissions, offer a diverse glimpse into the Ukrainian experience. Yulia Ilyukha’s poignant “My Women” (Мої жінки) took home the top prize, captivating readers with its intimate portrayals of women navigating life and loss amidst war.
The Children’s Book of the Year award went to Grasya Oliyko’s “And this is not made up!” (І ніякі це не вигадки!), a collection of lighthearted stories offering a much-needed escape for young readers and their families.
Rounding out the winners is Yuriy Roketsky’s “it’s all cool!” serhiy Kuzminsky and Braty Hadiukiny (“Всьо чотко!” Сергій Кузьмінський і “Брати Гадюкіни”), a compelling exploration of a cult Ukrainian rock band and its role in resisting totalitarianism.
“our three winners showcase the rich variety of issues explored by writers,” said Marta Shokalo, BBC News Ukraine editor and Awards panel member. “Yulia Ilyukha’s work conjures up indelible images, Grasya Oliyko offers a much-needed respite, and Yuriy Roketsky’s study harkens back to the power of music as protest.”
British Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris, lauded the awards, stating, “For two decades, the BBC Ukrainian service has celebrated the best of Ukrainian literature. Today, as Ukraine bravely defends its independence, its literary scene is more dynamic than ever, telling the story of this great nation.”
Svitlana Pyrkalo, a writer and former BBC journalist who co-founded the award 20 years ago, highlighted the remarkable growth of Ukrainian literature. “Despite repeated destruction of printing presses by Russian missiles, we have seen submissions nearly double as the full-scale invasion,” she said. “This wealth of worthy books makes judging a challenging but welcome task.”
Each winning author receives a prize of £1,000, and their publishers gain the right to display the prestigious BBC News Ukraine Book Awards logo on subsequent editions.
The 2024 judging panel included Vira Ageyeva, Vitaliy Chepynoha, Vitaly Chernetsky, Svitlana Pyrkalo, and Marta Shokalo.
The BBC News Ukraine Book of the year awards are a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire, comfort, and connect, even in the darkest of times.