The Language of War

by Oleksandr Mykhed
The Language of War cover
Good Books rating 4.77
Politics and Current Affairs
Technical:
  • ID: 296
  • Added: 2025-09-07
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781802065558
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-06-13
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99–£18.99

The Language of War captures the sudden upheaval of a peaceful life when war invades a quiet European suburb. Through the eyes of a thirty-three-year-old writer and his community, it reveals how the sound of helicopters and the smell of gunpowder redefine everyday existence, forcing an ordinary person to confront violence and the need to fight back. This book is not only a personal account but a collective record of trauma and resilience. Oleksandr Mykhed combines his own vivid chronicles of the Ukrainian invasion with voices from family, friends in exile, and soldiers who have endured atrocities. Beyond documenting events, the book examines the psychological and ideological impact of war on language itself, questioning how we find words to describe a new, brutal reality. It stands as both a historical reckoning and a profound meditation on the power and limits of language in times of conflict.

Reviews
Coffee and Books · 2025-09-07
excellent 5.00

The book is considered a fantastic and highly recommended read, receiving a full 5-star rating from the reviewer.

The reviewer from Coffee and Books expresses strong admiration for 'The Language of War,' describing it as a fantastic book well worth reading. The review highlights the emotional and literary power of Oleksandr Mykhed’s writing, suggesting it deeply resonates with readers and provides valuable insight into the realities of war. The high rating underscores the reviewer's belief in the book's importance and quality, making it a standout among contemporary war literature.

Quick quotes

    The Language of War by Oleksandr Mykhed is a fantastic book, well worth reading.

    I awarded the book 5 stars.

    A must-read for those wanting to understand the human side of conflict.

Visible Ukraine · 2025-09-07
poignant 4.80

The book captures the communal emotional experience of the war in vivid detail, portraying both the horrors and surreal moments of life during the invasion.

This review emphasizes the emotional depth and communal perspective that Oleksandr Mykhed brings to 'The Language of War.' It describes how the author chronicles thirteen months of war experiences, including the intense defense of Kyiv, the discovery of atrocities, and moments of surreal normalcy amid chaos. The reviewer appreciates that the narrative moves in tandem with the reader’s own emotional journey, offering an intimate and powerful account of a conflict still unfolding. The book is seen as an essential record of a shared trauma that many find difficult to express.

Quick quotes

    The author has recorded our communal experience, something which we are still afraid to put into words.

    In immense emotional detail, the book describes Kyiv’s intense stand against the advancing Russian troops.

    The writer and his reader move in concert by warping along the two matching lines—sometimes the lines approach one another and sometimes they intersect.

Chytomo · 2025-09-07
thoughtful 4.50

The book uses a mix of narrative styles and interviews to reflect on the first full year of the war, exploring historical and personal dimensions beyond just battlefield tactics.

This review highlights how 'The Language of War' is structured around a combination of Oleksandr Mykhed’s own text, interviews with various respondents, and chronicles of war crimes. It praises the book for addressing many facets of the Russo-Ukrainian war, including historical contexts like the Holodomor and the anti-Maidan protests, as well as personal stories such as the loss of the author's friend, which lend emotional depth. The reviewer notes that the book is not focused on military tactics or weaponry but rather on the human and societal impacts of the war, making it a profound and multifaceted reflection on a turbulent year.

Quick quotes

    The book contains interviews with military officers, journalists, artists, and scholars, blending personal narrative with broader historical insights.

    This is not a book about warfare tactics, soldiers, or types of weapons.

    Oleksandr Mykhed touches upon numerous aspects of the Russo-Ukrainian war, giving a layered perspective beyond the battlefield.

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