Dystopias and Utopias of Ukrainian writers

Dystopias of Ukrainian writers:

• "Kagarlyk" by Oleg Shinkarenko (2014) In this novel, Shinkarenko paints an image of Ukraine of the future, where a totalitarian regime and strict censorship reign. This is a kind of futuristic dystopia with elements of the absurd, which shows how the authorities can control people's thoughts and consciousness. The main character tries to find the truth in the system that constantly limits him.
• "Rivne/Rovno" by Ostap Ukrainets (2019) In this book, the writer depicts an alternative reality, where the history of Ukraine develops differently, and social events take on unknown forms. It is a postmodern dystopia that challenges our ideas about identity, history and power.
• "Arcan of Wolves" by Pavlo Derevyanka (2019) This is a dystopian novel where post-apocalyptic Ukraine appears as a world in which revived ancient traditions and magic have become a way of power and control. The author creates a gloomy, tough world where culture and religion are intertwined in totalitarian forms.
• "Masha, or Postfascism" by Yaroslav Melnyk (2013) This novel is noted for its philosophical depth and belongs to the genre of dystopia. The events take place in a world where a brutal regime reigns, which has established a kind of order of existence. Melnyk reveals the issues of social consciousness, power and freedom, turning dystopia into a parable about human nature.
• "Your view, Chio-Chio-san" by Andrii Lyubka (2018) A dystopian novel in which the author paints Ukraine in the future under the influence of harsh authoritarian regimes. A world of total control in which power subordinates all aspects of life, turning society into an obedient mass.
• "Lviv Gate" by Taras Antipovich (2019) In the novel, Antipovich describes a futuristic Ukraine where there is a system of total control over citizens, similar to many famous dystopias. The city of Lviv becomes the center of events, and the author skillfully combines elements of fiction and social satire.

Utopias of Ukrainian writers:

• "Man of the Future" by Volodymyr Vinnichenko (1924) One of the most famous works of the Ukrainian classicist, in which he tries to build an ideal society of the future. Vynnychenko explores the utopian concept of harmonious life of people without social inequality and political conflicts. At the same time, it is a work about moral dilemmas that arise on the way to creating an ideal society.
• "Solar machine" by Volodymyr Vinnichenko (1928) Written in the genre of science fiction and utopia, this novel is about the invention of a machine that can provide unlimited energy for the whole world. The invention leads to transformations in society: class differences are erased, poverty and inequality disappear. However, the question arises: are people ready to live in such a utopia?
• "Children of the Wild Field" by Andrii Kokotyukha (2020) A utopian novel in which the author describes a society of the future, where Ukraine becomes an advanced state that has built a new world without social problems and internal conflicts. Kokotyukha shows how national ideals can combine with modern trends to create a utopian state.
• "Civilization of the Coming" by Natalie Yakymchuk (2017) In this book, the author describes a future in which Ukraine has become a utopian state, where modern technologies, humanism and equality for all citizens are combined. A world without wars, environmental disasters and economic crises, where science and spirituality have become the main values.
• "Airport" by Serhiy Loik (2015) Although not among the classic utopias, the novel contains elements of hope for the recovery of society after conflict. Loiko paints a picture of a new Ukrainian future, where there is a place for reconstruction, peace and harmony. The book is a symbol of the desire to create a new, harmonious reality.