The Sunflower Boys

A Novel

FINALIST FOR THE LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD FOR GAY FICTION

"That rarest phenomenon: a war novel that feels at once timeless and precisely of the moment…" —Washington Post

A poignant coming-of-age story with the sensitivity and haunting power of What Belongs to You and Swimming in the Dark, about a young boy wrestling with his sexuality as war breaks out in modern Ukraine.

In many ways, twelve-year-old Artem’s life in Chernihiv, Ukraine, is normal. He spends his days helping on his grandfather’s sunflower farm, drawing in his sketchbook—a treasured gift from his father, who works in America—and swimming in the river with his little brother, Yuri. In secret, Artem has begun wrestling with romantic feelings for his best friend, Viktor. In a country where love between two boys is unthinkable, Artem has begun to worry that growing up, his life will never be normal.

Then, on a February night, Artem and Yuri are woken by explosions—the beginning of a war that will tear their life in two. The invading Russians destroy their home, killing their mother and grandfather, and leaving young Artem and Yuri to fend for themselves. Fleeing in hopes of somehow reuniting with their father, the brothers traverse the country their ancestors once fought and died for, with nothing but their backpacks and each other. Surrounded by death and destruction, Artem is certain of one thing—that whatever may come, he must keep himself and his brother alive.

A harrowing and gorgeous tale of love, identity, lost innocence, and survival set in a time of devastating war, The Sunflower Boys is a powerful, heartrending exploration of young queer love, the Ukrainian spirit, and a family’s struggle to survive.

Feels so Authentic

I can’t fathom how it must be to live through this kind of experience. But the author provides a compelling vision of the main character’s life before, during the early days if the war, and hope that he’ll emerge from the trauma.

the impact of War on children

it is told so simply and clearly that it makes a real impact on the reader

Excellent story

Liked the writing, the short chapters, the style, the relevance. Better than most war stories.

Magnificent in every way

This is one of the best novels I’ve read or listened to. I’m so grateful to Ron Charles of the Washington Post for drawing my attention to it because I haven’t yet seen it in a bookstore, which is weird. I can’t say enough about this beautiful, sweet, and at times horrific story of brothers, family, war, trauma, coming out, and healing. The narration is also perfect.