A Brief History of a Long War

From medieval sieges to today's conflict, A Brief History of a Long War offers a sweeping, illustrated account of Ukraine's centuries-long struggle against Russian domination. Written by Mariam Naiem, an Afghan-Ukrainian journalist and scholar, the book pairs lucid narrative with evocative artwork by Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida to illuminate the forces that shaped the Ukrainian nation. This hardcover graphic history blends historical milestones, linguistic suppression, censorship, famine under Soviet rule, with eyewitness accounts of modern warfare, resistance, and resilience. Naiem's accessible, multimedia approach contextualizes the current war within a longer arc, showing how communities, languages, and cultures have persisted against domination. The 112 pages of color illustrations carry a vivid, documentary tone, inviting readers to reflect on how history informs today's headlines and the ongoing quest for sovereignty and dignity. A powerful introduction to a pivotal region and its people.

Who might be interested in reading?

• Readers who want a clear, illustrated context for today’s headlines and the history behind Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty.
• Fans of graphic non-fiction and documentary-style comics who value research-driven storytelling.
• Curious readers interested in Ukraine’s history, language, and culture under centuries of external pressure.
• Students, educators, or general readers seeking accessible journalism and cross-cultural perspective on war and resistance.