THE HISTORY
of our book club
On 14 June we met and discussed Oksana Zabuzhko's book
"Fieldwork in Ukrainian Sex"
Originally published in 1996, this novel became a significant literary event. It drew attention for its explicit erotic scenes and bold reflections on Ukrainian and female identity. It is one of the first feminist novels in modern Ukrainian literature.
What's it about?
In the center of the plot is the Ukrainian poet Oksana and her lover, a Ukrainian artist and sculptor, referred to as "Mykola K." Oksana tells the story of her relationship with Mykola, interspersed with episodes from the life of her family and friends. From time to time she digresses with some topics of the new Ukrainian history, the essence of love and passion, the identity of Ukrainians and, in particular, Ukrainian women.
Oksana met Mykola in Lutsk at a festival. He offered Oksana to show the local architecture, but she initially rejected the offer seeing him as a "cheap dude". However, despite a bad feeling, she left with Mykola. Both of them spent the night in the artist's studio.
What did we discuss?
Language and culture
What it means to be a woman in today's world
The life of Ukrainians "between being and non-being" after independence
How to spot red flags in toxic partners
And that was fun! Join us next time!
Stay updated! Follow us on Instagram
