Order of the Silent Sisters

The portrait of a Ukrainian woman is often shaped not so much by what she says but by what she keeps silent. However, without this experience of silence, the powerful voice that resonates in this collection would not have been born. It is a voice that defends the right to speak honestly about deep sorrow, generational trauma, stereotypes and archetypes, about roots in burning soil, the courage of love, and the disappointment of the emptiness hidden behind masks. The author does this without regard for potential accusations of being overly frank, sharp, emotional, or dark. This is the only way to remain oneself and, at the same time, become the voice of hundreds of women who have remained silent until now.

For this book, Kateryna Kalytko received the Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine in 2023.