Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors. Novels

«Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors» іs more than just a love story. It is an epic narrative that delves into the life of the Hutsuls, an ethnic group in Ukraine, their beliefs, traditions, and their connection to nature. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains, the novel unfolds the tragic fate of two young people, Ivan and Marichka, whose love is tested by the feud between their families.
The Carpathians in this work become not just a setting, but a full-fledged character. They are alive, filled with legends and mysteries, inhabited by spirits and mystical creatures. Kotsiubynsky with incredible meticulousness describes the Hutsul world, its beliefs, and customs. He studied the life and dialects of the villages, collected dictionaries, searched for local plants, and participated in weddings and other rituals. All this makes the atmosphere of the novel incredibly authentic.

The chukhaister, shcheznyk, mavka, and molfars — these and other mystical creatures are seamlessly woven into the plot. Their presence emphasizes the Hutsuls' connection to nature and their belief in the supernatural.
The love between Ivan and Marichka becomes the driving force of the novel. They have to fight not only the hatred of their families but also their own doubts and choices. Heavenly love and earthly love, pagan beliefs and Christian morality — all this intertwines into a sad and tragic story, where people and spirits are inextricably linked, and reality turns into a part of the myth.