A unique book about the indomitable spirit of Ukrainian women was written in spring 2026 by Alyona Movchan. The book is called:
“Being feminine at times of war is an art”.
The author conducted a tremendous work both as a journalist and a crisis manager, when she interviewed 21 Ukrainian women about the most sacred and valuable - love for the homeland, as well as their talents, goals, achievements and family values.
The author speaks about loneliness, fear, stress, anger, joy, trust, hope, acceptance, inspiration and related gigantic work with voices of her respondents who willingly share stories of the heroic Kherson.
Repeatedly, the book implies the topic of style - both as an "anchor" of emotional stability, as a source of inspiration, as a sphere of intellectual search, and as a need for self-expression. A lucky charm to the others, a deep revelation to the owner.
On sharp contrasts, the composition of the book is built. This is a novelty in the Ukrainian realia, but sometimes the pathos of the publication rises to the philosophical heights.
Wisdom, responsiveness and empathy allowed Alyona to peer into the souls of the respondents, feeling under a layer of uncertainty and melancholy a hope for the restoration of the integrity and strength of Ukraine.
It is all about a balance between personal and collective.
Every small detail works on a unique format of the publication, where sincere confessions are intertwined with projects, dreams, plans and hopes of women who restore the city with their golden hands and warm hearts.
We, readers, join the message of the book.
The topic of women's settlement and social activism will forever be inscribed in the history of the latest times, as well as draw attention to locations that still need to be restored.
As a reviewer, I genuinely believe in Alyona’s ability to conduct large-scale projects that involve her unique tone as interviewer and a colourful gift of a reporter with a unique, wholesome approach to photography.
© Maryna Tchianova, a Ukrainian art reviwer, poet, translator
