Borderland

A Journey Through the History of Ukraine

By: Anna Reid

Narrated by: Anna Reid

Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Flat, fertile, and fatally tempting to invaders, for centuries Ukraine was fought over by more powerful neighbours. Though its modern national movement dates back to the early nineteenth century, it did not win real independence until 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Since then, Ukrainians have proved themselves one of the world's most remarkable nations. In 2014 mass demonstrations forced out a corrupt pro-Russian president. Russia responded by invading, first seizing Crimea and the eastern Donbass, and then in February 2022 marching on Kyiv. With Western help, Ukraine is fighting back. But in what form it will emerge from the war - the bloodiest in Europe since 1945 - remains to be seen.

For this fourth edition of her classic history, Anna Reid returns to the scene. Talking to refugees, politicians and victims of widespread Russian war crimes, she adds a new chapter to the complex biography of a country on the frontline of the conflict between democracy and dictatorship.

*Fully Updated

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Anna Reid (P)2022 Orion Publishing Group Limited

Critic reviews

"A fascinating and often violent odyssey, spanning more than 1,000 years of conflict and culture." (Independent)

First half is ok but second half should be neutral

First half is ok but the second half is a generic western biased propaganda narrative, no mention of documented far right groups infiltrating elements of Ukrainian government and military. No mention of the Wolfovitz doctrine or nefarious activities of Victoria Nuland and company. Delivery is clear but quirky in what the author / reader may regard as an exclusive high status accent. I still enjoyed it as it is a nice summary in the first half and insightful of the author's social circle's perceptions in the second half. A murderous Russians soldier is decribed a 'runtish, dim, pathetic', not sure she would have used this language if the guy was female so seems to be emotionally self indulgent when she thinks she won't be called out for it. He was being jailed for murder, not for failing to arouse the author. Also she forgets the civilians killed by Ukainian shelling in the Donbass from 2014-2022. Just because the Russians have done bad things, we should not be expected to think this makes the Ukrainians good.