UNDER BLACK BANNERS - Feodosiy Shchus and the long fight for Ukrainian freedom #851889

Shchus: Under Black Banners is a riveting and nuanced exploration of one of Ukraine’s most turbulent historical eras. Written by Nikodym Pliczkowsky, the novel offers a vivid portrayal of the Makhnovist movement through the eyes of Feodosiy Shchus, an often-overlooked figure in the shadow of Nestor Makhno. With a unique blend of personal narrative and historical depth, the book delivers a captivating account of the Ukrainian Revolution and its anarchist underpinnings. Pliczkowsky skillfully interweaves Shchus's personal evolution—from a sailor to a revolutionary leader—with the larger socio-political landscape of Ukraine in the early 20th century. The narrative captures the struggles, ideologies, and contradictions of the Makhnovist movement without falling into the trap of glorification or condemnation. Instead, it presents its protagonists as complex and human—brave, fiercely independent, yet often politically and nationally underdeveloped. What sets this book apart is its challenge to long-standing Soviet propaganda and oversimplified Western interpretations. The detailed depictions of Ukrainian village life, the moral dilemmas faced by revolutionaries, and the ideological debates of the era bring authenticity and depth to the story. The prose, originally written in Ukrainian, resonates with cultural and historical authenticity, further immersing the reader in the world it portrays. The character development, particularly of Shchus and his comrades, is a standout feature, offering insight into the motivations, tensions, and tragedies of their struggle. Pliczkowsky doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of this history, including graphic depictions of violence and political repression, yet these moments serve to underscore the harsh realities faced by those seeking freedom and self-determination. This novel is a must-read for history enthusiasts, fans of historical fiction, and anyone interested in understanding the roots of Ukrainian identity. It bridges the past with the present, echoing the ongoing struggles Ukrainians face today in their fight for independence. In Shchus: Under Black Banners, Pliczkowsky gives us more than a story—it is a reclamation of history, a tribute to resilience, and an invitation to grapple with the complexities of revolution and human agency. All proceeds from the book go to humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Visit www.passingthrough.net/donating to learn more.

Shchus: Under Black Banners is a riveting and nuanced exploration of one of Ukraine’s most turbulent historical eras. Written by Nikodym Pliczkowsky, the novel offers a vivid portrayal of the Makhnovist movement through the eyes of Feodosiy Shchus, an often-overlooked figure in the shadow of Nestor Makhno. With a unique blend of personal narrative and historical depth, the book delivers a captivating account of the Ukrainian Revolution and its anarchist underpinnings. Pliczkowsky skillfully interweaves Shchus's personal evolution—from a sailor to a revolutionary leader—with the larger socio-political landscape of Ukraine in the early 20th century. The narrative captures the struggles, ideologies, and contradictions of the Makhnovist movement without falling into the trap of glorification or condemnation. Instead, it presents its protagonists as complex and human—brave, fiercely independent, yet often politically and nationally underdeveloped. What sets this book apart is its challenge to long-standing Soviet propaganda and oversimplified Western interpretations. The detailed depictions of Ukrainian village life, the moral dilemmas faced by revolutionaries, and the ideological debates of the era bring authenticity and depth to the story. The prose, originally written in Ukrainian, resonates with cultural and historical authenticity, further immersing the reader in the world it portrays. The character development, particularly of Shchus and his comrades, is a standout feature, offering insight into the motivations, tensions, and tragedies of their struggle. Pliczkowsky doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of this history, including graphic depictions of violence and political repression, yet these moments serve to underscore the harsh realities faced by those seeking freedom and self-determination. This novel is a must-read for history enthusiasts, fans of historical fiction, and anyone interested in understanding the roots of Ukrainian identity. It bridges the past with the present, echoing the ongoing struggles Ukrainians face today in their fight for independence. In Shchus: Under Black Banners, Pliczkowsky gives us more than a story—it is a reclamation of history, a tribute to resilience, and an invitation to grapple with the complexities of revolution and human agency. All proceeds from the book go to humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Visit www.passingthrough.net/donating to learn more.