Ukrainian Jewish Encounter was a sponsor of the Ukraine country booth and its program at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair. Held 19-23 October, the book fair is the world's largest, drawing publishers from around the globe. Germany's Goethe Institute worked with the Ukrainian Book Institute to ensure the war-torn country was represented at this important forum for publishers.
Ukraine was at the center of many discussions. Prominent Ukrainian writers, activists, and musicians spoke passionately about Russia's genocidal war against Ukraine and its effect on the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed international publishers in an online statement. Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the fair, promoting Ukraine-related reading projects.
Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair. She presented certificates to individuals who have supported Ukraine in its struggle against a criminal Russia and promoted Ukrainian book projects, including Better Times Stories, which allows Ukrainian refugee children to receive audiobooks narrated by their relatives.
At one session, she said it was vital for her to be present at Frankfurt, so attendees could hear her speak "in her native language" — Ukrainian.
The fair concluded with the presentation of the prestigious Peace Prize of the German Book Trade to Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan for "his outstanding artistic work, along with his humanitarian stance."
Ukraine-born musician Yurij Gurzhy (left) and Ukrainian writer Serhii Zhadan (right) at a performance called Fokstroty. Zhadan was awarded the prestigious Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.
Ukrainian publishers, large and small, were present in Frankfurt. The industry has suffered severe setbacks because of Russian bombing campaigns; many printing houses have been destroyed or damaged. Even so, the number of Ukrainian publishers wanting to participate in this year's book fair meant shelf space was highly coveted, noted Olexandra Koval, head of the Ukrainian Book Institute.
All books displayed by Ukrainian publishers will be donated to institutions that have set up libraries for Ukrainian refugees to ensure they maintain a literary connection to their homeland.
Russia, which launched its criminal war against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, was absent at the fair, as was Iran. That country has supplied Russia with deadly drones used against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Official China was also not present.
We will treat the representation of Ukraine in literature, art, and music in a series of essays published in this space in the new year. Those essays will delve into many of the topics raised in Frankfurt.
Meanwhile, several Ukraine-related videos and photos from this year's Frankfurt Book Fair are below.
UJE at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair
UJE at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair
UJE at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair
UJE at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair
US Consul General Norman Thatcher Scharpf speaks with Ukrainian writers and publishers at the Ukraine Country Stand at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair.
The Ukraine Country Stand at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair.
The Ukraine Country Stand at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair.
The Ukraine Country Stand at the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair.
The red panel labeled Ukraine would flash every time an air raid siren would go off in Ukraine. The panel was rarely unlit during the book fair.
Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair. She presented certificates to individuals who have supported Ukraine in its struggle against a criminal Russia and promoted Ukrainian book projects, including Better Times Stories, which allows Ukrainian refugee children to receive audiobooks narrated by their relatives.
Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair. She presented certificates to individuals who have supported Ukraine in its struggle against a criminal Russia and promoted Ukrainian book projects, including Better Times Stories, which allows Ukrainian refugee children to receive audiobooks narrated by their relatives.
Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair. She presented certificates to individuals who have supported Ukraine in its struggle against a criminal Russia and promoted Ukrainian book projects, including Better Times Stories, which allows Ukrainian refugee children to receive audiobooks narrated by their relatives.
UUkraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair. She presented certificates to individuals who have supported Ukraine in its struggle against a criminal Russia and promoted Ukrainian book projects, including Better Times Stories, which allows Ukrainian refugee children to receive audiobooks narrated by their relatives.kraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair. She presented certificates to individuals who have supported Ukraine in its struggle against a criminal Russia and promoted Ukrainian book projects, including Better Times Stories, which allows Ukrainian refugee children to receive audiobooks narrated by their relatives.
Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, made a surprise appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair. She presented certificates to individuals who have supported Ukraine in its struggle against a criminal Russia and promoted Ukrainian book projects, including Better Times Stories, which allows Ukrainian refugee children to receive audiobooks narrated by their relatives.
Cultural and literary losses suffered as a result of Russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine.
Cultural and literary losses suffered as a result of Russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine.
Cultural and literary losses suffered as a result of Russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine.
Cultural and literary losses suffered as a result of Russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine.
Cultural and literary losses suffered as a result of Russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine.
Cultural and literary losses suffered as a result of Russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine.
One of Ukraine’s most influential writers Andrey Kurkov, second from right, appears onstage with writers, including author Donna Leon, whose crime novels set in Venice, Italy, featuring fictional hero Commissario Guido Brunetti have garnered her international fame.
Ukraine-born musician Yurij Gurzhy (left) and Ukrainian writer Serhii Zhadan (right) at a performance called Fokstroty. Zhadan was awarded the prestigious Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.
Ukrainian illustrators display war posters by numerous artists.
Ukrainian illustrators display war posters by numerous artists.
Ukrainian illustrators display war posters by numerous artists.
Ukrainian illustrators display war posters by numerous artists.
Ukrainian illustrators display war posters by numerous artists.
Books in translation by Ukrainian writers, including UJE Board Member Serhii Plokhy, and about Ukraine.
Books in translation by Ukrainian writers, including UJE Board Member Serhii Plokhy, and about Ukraine.
Books in translation by Ukrainian writers, including UJE Board Member Serhii Plokhy, and about Ukraine.
Books in translation by Ukrainian writers, including UJE Board Member Serhii Plokhy, and about Ukraine.
Books in translation by Ukrainian writers, including UJE Board Member Serhii Plokhy, and about Ukraine.
Books in translation by Ukrainian writers, including UJE Board Member Serhii Plokhy, and about Ukraine.
Books in translation by Ukrainian writers, including UJE Board Member Serhii Plokhy, and about Ukraine.
In support of Ukraine.
In support of Ukraine.
In support of Ukraine.
In support of Ukraine.
FEP Rendez-Vous: Ukrainian President Zelensky speaks to international publishers, 20 October 2022 (In Ukrainian with English subtitles)
Meet the "European Prize for Literature 2022" writers, 20 October 2022 (in English, includes commentary by EUPL special mention 2022 awardee, Eugenia Kuznetsova)
13:48-16:41: Commentary by EUPL special mention 2022 awardee Eugenia Kuznetsova, author of Ask Miechka, Old Lion Publishing House, 2021. Excerpts of novel in English and Ukrainian available here.
Better Time Stories - Brighten up the lives of Ukrainian refugee children, 22 October 2022 (In German and English)
Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine; Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands (virtual); Elke Budenbender, Spouse of the Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier; Doris Schmidauer, First Lady of Austria (virtual); Andriy Shmyhelskyy, Initiator, Better Time Stories; Reinout Wissenburg, Chairman, Better Time Stories.
BRIGITTE LIVE, with Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine (in German voiceover) 22 October 2022. Interview available here.
The Protoliterary: Women's Voices at War, 23 October 2022 (in German)
