On 24 February 2022, Oksana Zabuzhko was in the middle of an international book tour when she learned that Russia had launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. One year on, and in partnership with the Ukrainian Institute London, Zabuzhko joins us at the Library, in conversation with Georgina Godwin, to reflect on Ukraine’s resistance, the country’s literary scene during times of war, her experience of displacement and her latest work, My Longest Book Tour.

Oksana Zabuzhko is Ukraine’s major contemporary writer and the author of more than 20 books in different genres. She is best known for her novel Field Work in Ukrainian Sex, translated into eighteen languages. Other celebrated works include the award-winning novel The Museum of Abandoned Secrets and the collection of short stories Your Ad Could Go Here. In her latest book, My Longest Book Tour, she writes about the experience of displacement and the historical origins of Russia's war against Ukraine. She is a patron of the Ukrainian Institute London.

Georgina Godwin is an independent broadcast journalist. A regular chair of literary events, she is Books Editor for Monocle 24 , presenter of the in-depth interview show 'Meet the Writers' and a frequent anchor of current affairs programmes 'The Globalist' and 'The Briefing.

Ukrainian Institute London is an independent charity dedicated to strengthening Ukraine’s voice in the UK and beyond.

Oksana Zabuzhko's books are available to buy from our partner bookshop Hatchards.

N.B. This event will take place in person at The London Library. Doors (and the bar) open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. Please see our Event Access and COVID Guidelines before you arrive.

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