Kyiv Independent recommends 5 translated Ukrainian books to look out for in late 2026 and early 2027

In November 2026, Ukrainian literature in English translation will celebrate a significant milestone with the publication of Yuri Andrukhovych's novel, "Radio Night," by New York Review Books. This marks Andrukhovych's novel as the first contemporary Ukrainian work published by the renowned literary publisher. The Kyiv Independent has identified five books to look out for in late 2026 and early 2027, featuring translations from independent and academic presses that have been pioneers in publishing Ukrainian authors.

"Radio Night," by Yuri Andrukhovych and translated by Mark Andryczyk, tells the gripping story of a musician who becomes an unwilling participant in a revolution and seeks refuge in exile, broadcasting an underground radio show to resist his country's dictator. Another must-read is "The World is Not Made" by Myroslav Laiuk, translated by Ali Kinsella, which spans two centuries and explores themes of identity, belonging, and the enduring human spirit through the lives of characters spanning different eras and circumstances.

Vasyl Stus, a 20th-century poet whose work was censored by the Soviet government, is featured in "Vortex: Selected Poems," translated by Bohdan Tokarskyi and Nina Murray. Stus's intense and morally clear poetry serves as a reminder of Ukraine's cultural resilience despite Russian attempts to suppress it. Sofia Andrukhovych's "Felix Austria," translated by Vitaly Chernetsky, transports readers to late 19th- and early 20th-century Ivano-Frankivsk, exploring the complex relationship between two sisters as they navigate social inequality and identity in a changing society.

Lastly, Yurii Yanovskyi's "The Shipwright," translated by Ian Ross Singleton, offers a Ukrainian perspective on a historical period dominated by Russian narratives. Set in the port city of Odesa, the novel unveils the struggles of Ukrainian artists to express their radical ideas about identity and nationhood under Soviet censorship.

These five books provide a diverse and compelling glimpse into the rich literary heritage of Ukraine, offering readers an opportunity to explore the country's history, culture, and ongoing challenges from a unique perspective.