An Orange Revolution: A Personal Journey Through Ukrainian History

In this engrossing history of the Ukraine's 2004-05 Orange Revolution, journalist Krushelnycky recounts the sociopolitical changes that have wrenched the nation since before the fall of the Soviet Union. Beginning with the history of the Neolithic Trypillians in 3500 B.C., Krushelnycky glides through the centuries of history that shaped modern Ukrainian identity. Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, President Kuchma led the Ukraine into a downward spiral of corruption, violence and oppression. After years of government-controlled media, falsified election results, economic distress and widespread bribery, the 2004 presidential election exploded in a peaceful but determined struggle by progressive, pro-democracy forces to unseat the long-ruling, Kremlin-endorsed authoritarian regime. Krushelnycky captures skillfully the excitement and optimism that surrounded Viktor Yuschenko's tumultuous victory, and Krushelnycky seamlessly asserts himself and his own observations within the larger framework of local and world politics. If Krushelnycky's first book falters, it's only in its devotion to detail; the compelling narrative is occasionally sidetracked by topics like the architectural construction of the city of Donetsk and the origin of Russian political slang. Krushelnycky's enthusiasm for Ukranian culture is palpable throughout, and his honest, far-reaching account makes this an invaluable resource.