Reporter Volkovsky

In the shadow of Russia's war on Ukraine, veteran journalist Yuriy Lukanov delivers a powerful novel that captures the human cost of invasion through the eyes of those who document it. "Reporter Volkovsky" explores how war shatters not just nations, but families, friendships, and fundamental beliefs about right and wrong. When Serhiy Sukhobokov's wife Lisa embraces the "Russian world" and sides with the occupiers, their family becomes a microcosm of Ukraine's larger tragedy. Their daughter is caught between warring parents, while Serhiy struggles with the impossible task of hating and loving the same person. Through this intimate family drama, Lukanov illuminates the larger conflicts tearing apart communities and forcing impossible choices. Drawing from four decades of frontline journalism experience, Lukanov takes readers into the heart of occupied territories-from the brutal "Isolation" prison in Donetsk to the tense streets of occupied Crimea. His characters grapple with questions that challenge every journalist in wartime: Can one remain neutral when documenting atrocity? What happens to objectivity when your country is under attack? Praised for its authentic portrayal of both the absurdity and horror of war, "Reporter Volkovsky" combines dark humor with unflinching realism. Former prisoners have lauded Lukanov's eerily accurate depictions of occupation and imprisonment, while critics celebrate his ability to find humanity amidst inhumanity. This is not just a war novel-it's a crucial document of how conflict transforms ordinary people into heroes, villains, and sometimes both at once. About the Author: >After completing a National Forum Foundation internship in the United States in 1992 and working with Radio Canada International in Montreal in 1993, Lukanov returned to Ukraine where he has published thousands of articles, investigative reports, and human rights investigations. His work consistently challenges authority and seeks truth in an increasingly complex world. Known for combining rigorous reporting with dark humor and deep humanity, Lukanov's transition to fiction allows him to tell deeper truths about war's impact on society, drawing from decades of observing how conflict transforms both individuals and nations. His unique perspective as both a veteran journalist and Ukrainian citizen provides an essential voice in understanding one of the 21st century's defining conflicts.