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woahjeny's review
challenging
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
geodrite's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
storm7's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
clairehubby's review
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
activelyreading's review
4.0
What a wonderful, quick read!
Calling Ukraine was written before Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022 by an American author who lived in Ukraine in 2018-19 during their presidential election. Following Russia's war on Ukraine, Lichtman went back to review possible changes to ensure that he was still faithfully depicting Ukrainian sentiment during their 2018-19 election when the story takes place, and their history, while also not being overtly critical of President Zelenskyy nor too favorable of Putin.
What I enjoyed the most about this book was learning more about Ukraine's history and culture. While there's so, so much that was left unsaid, and what was said was said by a white, American man, I do believe that this was better exposure than none at all. Ukraine has had a fraught history, and I believe that Lichtman did a good job of depicting both the skepticism and, more importantly, humor and resiliency of the Ukrainian people.
For the actual storyline: I would have loved the Lichtman to dive deeper into the white-savior complex a little more that he touched upon throughout. Maybe I wanted the book to be less love story, more "how can I be a better American when I'm abroad"?
Overall, it was an enjoyable, quick read! I highly recommend if you're interested in learning more about Ukraine, have an interest in cultural anthropology/sociology, or if you've ever worked in a call center.
What I would love to see is Lichtman use his platform to connect his American readers to more Ukrainian authors so we can continue to grow and learn!
Thank you to GoodReads and Scribner for the gifted ARC
Calling Ukraine was written before Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022 by an American author who lived in Ukraine in 2018-19 during their presidential election. Following Russia's war on Ukraine, Lichtman went back to review possible changes to ensure that he was still faithfully depicting Ukrainian sentiment during their 2018-19 election when the story takes place, and their history, while also not being overtly critical of President Zelenskyy nor too favorable of Putin.
What I enjoyed the most about this book was learning more about Ukraine's history and culture. While there's so, so much that was left unsaid, and what was said was said by a white, American man, I do believe that this was better exposure than none at all. Ukraine has had a fraught history, and I believe that Lichtman did a good job of depicting both the skepticism and, more importantly, humor and resiliency of the Ukrainian people.
For the actual storyline: I would have loved the Lichtman to dive deeper into the white-savior complex a little more that he touched upon throughout. Maybe I wanted the book to be less love story, more "how can I be a better American when I'm abroad"?
Overall, it was an enjoyable, quick read! I highly recommend if you're interested in learning more about Ukraine, have an interest in cultural anthropology/sociology, or if you've ever worked in a call center.
What I would love to see is Lichtman use his platform to connect his American readers to more Ukrainian authors so we can continue to grow and learn!
Thank you to GoodReads and Scribner for the gifted ARC
lbw's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Not great but not terrible. It was funny in some parts and somber in others. I thought, “It doesn’t know what it wants to be.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse
madken's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sonia_reppe's review
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
malvord27's review
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0