Italian Literary Prize Goes to Ukrainian Author for Chernobyl Novel

Yaryna Grusha and Her Debut Novel 'The Blue Album'

According to Главком: Ukrainian writer Yaryna Grusha has been awarded a special international mention by the prestigious Italian Viareggio Repaci Prize for her debut novel, 'The Blue Album.' Written in Italian and published in 2026 by Bompiani, the book follows a young girl named Yaryna as she lives through pivotal moments in Ukraine's history, including the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Orange Revolution, and the Revolution of Dignity.

Grusha is not only a novelist but also a translator and a lecturer at the University of Milan. The international jury of the Viareggio Repaci Prize, established in 1929, recognized her work for promoting Ukrainian culture in Italy and across Europe. In their statement, the jury praised her for:

«...masterful writing that weaves together themes of memory, identity, and civic responsibility»

Translation and Significance of the Novel

Grusha is currently working on a Ukrainian translation of 'The Blue Album,' which is scheduled for release next year by 'Vydavnytstvo Staroho Leva' (The Old Lion Publishing House). This will allow Ukrainian readers to engage with a work that captures both the personal journey of its heroine and the broader historical forces shaping modern Ukrainian identity.

Receiving this international recognition underscores the importance of Grusha's contribution to cultural exchange between Ukraine and Italy. By covering key chapters of Ukrainian history, the novel serves as a powerful tool for fostering a deeper understanding of Ukrainian identity abroad. Its upcoming Ukrainian translation will expand access to this significant literary work, potentially strengthening the global presence of Ukrainian literature and culture.