"I will mix your blood with coal." To understand the Ukrainian East | Oleksandr Mykhed

About the book

At the end of 2016, Oleksandr Mykhed went on a trip to six cities of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, exploring not only modern life, but also the stories hidden in the archives. However, it was most important for the author to hear the voices of local residents. Mykhed tells the amazing story of the Ukrainian East, where British and Belgian investors, imperial and Soviet regimes tried to establish control. How is one of the oldest turtles in the world connected with the founding of Donetsk? What is the price of each ton of coal? What secrets do the steppes of the Wild Field keep?

Who is the book "I will mix your blood with coal" for?

For everyone who wants to better understand the history and present of the Ukrainian East.

Why should you read this book?

Oleksandr Mykhed offers the reader unique conversations with famous writers, artists and historians born in the East of Ukraine: Serhiy Zhadan, Allytsya Kahidze, Igor Kozlovskyi, Roman Minin, Volodymyr Rafeenko and Olena Stiazhkina. They help to understand the realities of war and the multifaceted nature of this region.

About the author

Oleksandr Mykhed is a writer, author of seven books and curator of art projects. His works have been translated into ten languages, and he himself is a participant in numerous international literary residencies. Screenwriter of the popular animated series "Travel Book. Ukraine" (seasons 2-5).