The Fourth Dimension. Red Wine | Roman Ivanychuk

"The Fourth Dimension. The Cursed Wine" by Roman Ivanychuk is a two-volume historical novel that immerses the reader in the turbulent events of Ukrainian history. The first part, "The Fourth Dimension", takes us to the middle of the 19th century, when Ukrainian weapons were silent and independence was lost. However, young artists and intellectuals did not accept this state of affairs and founded a secret political organization aimed at the revival of Ukraine. The plot centers on the life of Ukrainian mathematician, lawyer and public figure Mykola Hulak, who, together with Mykola Kostomarov, founded the Cyril and Methodius Brotherhood.

The second part, "Cherlene vino", takes us to the 15th century. The novel tells about the defense of Olesz Castle in 1431, when the Polish King Jagiellon besieged Lutsk. The defenders of the castle, realizing the inequality of forces, are ready to die to preserve honor and dignity. Ivanychuk masterfully paints pictures of medieval life, describing knightly tournaments, love, betrayal and war. Both parts of the novel are permeated with a patriotic spirit, love for the native land and faith in the future of Ukraine. This is not just a historical novel, but also a philosophical reflection on the past, present and future of the Ukrainian people.