This program welcomes author Andrey Kurkov, whose books are often full of black humor and are mostly set in post-Soviet reality. This program will focus on Diary of an Invasion, a collection of Andrey’s writings and broadcasts from Kyiv that come together to produce a remarkable record of a brilliant writer at the forefront of a 21st-century war.

This is the third installment of our Ukrainian Artist Series. In connection with City of Asylum’s Fellowship for Ukrainian writers displaced by war, this series celebrates the richness of Ukrainian history, language, and culture. Featuring authors, composers, musicians, poets, and more, the series honors the resiliency of Ukrainian people and amplifies the remarkable work of Ukrainian artists. This program will be moderated by George Packer, who will be joining remotely.

Andrey Kurkov (he/him) was born April 23, 1961, near Leningrad. He grew up and now lives in Kyiv. Andrey is a Ukrainian novelist who writes in Russian and Ukrainian and is the author of more than 20 novels and 10 books for children. His work is currently translated into 42 languages, including English, Japanese, French, Chinese, Swedish and Hebrew. He has also written assorted articles for various publications worldwide including the New York Times, The Guardian, Financial Times, New Statesman, La Liberation, Le Monde, Die Welt, and Die Zeit. From 2018-2022, Andrey was the acting President of PEN Ukraine, running international and national literary and socio-political projects. For his novels and literary and human rights activities he was awarded Halldor Laxness Prize (Iceland, 2022), Legion d’Honeur (France 2015), Medici Prize for Best foreign Novel (France 2022), Freedom of Expression Award (Index on Censorship, London 2022), Readers’ Award (France, 2012), Hans and Sophie Scholl Prize (Germany, 2022), National Critic Circle Award (USA, 2023)  and others.

George Packer is a US journalist, novelist, and playwright. He is best known for his writings for The New Yorker and The Atlantic about U.S. foreign policy and for his book The Assassins' Gate: America in Iraq. He is also a member of the City of Asylum Advisory Board.

Remember you can dine at the in-house restaurant 40 North before, during, or after the show. Please visit Open Table or call 412-435-1111 to make a reservation.

Ukrainian Artist Series: Andrey Kurkov in Conversation with George Packer