Frankfurt Book Fair Features 'Born/Burn Alive' Installation: 22 Charred Books Rescued from Kharkiv’s 2026 Destruction

'Born/Burn Alive' Installation Showcased at the 78th Frankfurt Book Fair

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The 78th Frankfurt Book Fair presents 'Born/Burn Alive,' a powerful installation by artist Valentyna Veremko. At its heart are 22 partially burned books salvaged from the aftermath of a Russian strike on the 'Ranok' logistics center in Kharkiv on August 1, 2026. This devastating attack destroyed approximately 8 million books, including over 620,000 school textbooks. The installation serves as a poignant reminder of the centuries-long attempts to erase Ukrainian literature and language.

Meaning and Historical Context of the Installation

Encased in glass, the artwork features a red timeline spanning 400 years-from 1626 to 2026-highlighting the recurring destruction of Ukrainian books throughout history. Historian Viktor Kruglov emphasized how the installation compresses four centuries of cultural oppression into a single display.

"These books were meant to reach readers-students, scholars, anyone eager to learn. Instead, they endured fire. The red scale on the glass begins in 1626, marking the first recorded burning of Ukrainian texts. Since then, the language has faced repeated bans but survived, carried forward by generations who continued to print and read it." Viktor Kruglov

The Ukrainian national pavilion at the fair features works from 44 Ukrainian publishers, alongside a program of discussions and presentations that include meetings with international publishers and literary agents. Following the Russian missile strikes in summer 2026, an estimated 9.6 million books were destroyed, with some sources suggesting the total loss exceeded 10 million volumes.

Artist Valentyna Veremko stressed the urgency of the installation’s message: "This history, which has never been halted, risks repeating itself. The concluding chapter of this timeline is unfolding right now." Among the displayed titles is Dmytro Kanuper’s Okrayets, recounting his 886 days in Russian captivity. Plans are underway to translate this book into English and French by fall 2026.

This installation and the events at the Frankfurt Book Fair highlight both the resilience and the challenges faced by Ukrainian literature amid ongoing conflict. The destruction of books is not just a cultural loss but also underscores the critical need to preserve and disseminate knowledge despite external threats. By spotlighting Ukrainian publishing achievements, the Frankfurt Book Fair fosters global recognition of Ukraine’s literary contributions during wartime.

In light of the ongoing challenges faced by the literary community due to war-related destruction, the government's recent decision to implement rental subsidies for bookstores aims to support and revitalize the industry. This initiative is crucial for preserving Ukrainian literature and ensuring that the cultural heritage continues to flourish despite the adversities faced over the years.