Troscha

Troscha is a powerful historical novel by Vasyl Shkliar, often referred to as the “father of the Ukrainian bestseller.” Set in the aftermath of World War II, the story follows a former Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) fighter, known by the pseudonym “Misyats,” who, after 25 years of imprisonment, returns to Soviet Ukraine. Upon discovering the grave of a comrade he believed had died decades earlier, he is thrust into a journey of memory and investigation.

The narrative unfolds across two timelines—the 1940s and the 1970s—delving into themes of betrayal, loyalty, love, and the enduring struggle for freedom. Shkliar masterfully portrays the psychological battles of those who continued to resist Soviet oppression, highlighting the complexities of human emotion and the cost of unwavering conviction.