Literature, Politics, and Identity: A Conversation with Andrey Kurkov

Join the UCLA Library for an online program with renowned Ukrainian novelist Andrey Kurkov in conversation with Dr. Roman Koropeckyj, UCLA professor of Slavic, East European and Eurasian languages and cultures. Kurkov will share insights into his literary works, his experiences as a writer in contemporary Ukraine, and his reflections on the current political landscape. Dr. Koropeckyj, a leading scholar in Eastern European literature, will guide the conversation, providing a deep exploration of Kurkov's unique perspective on the intersection of literature and society.

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With additional sponsorship from the UCLA Department of Slavic, East European and Eurasian Languages and Cultures and UCLA Center for European and Russian Studies

Andrey Kurkov is a Ukrainian novelist and screenwriter, widely recognized for his sharp wit and satirical portrayal of post-Soviet life. Born in Leningrad in 1961, Kurkov is the author of numerous novels, including Death and the Penguin, which has been translated into over 30 languages. His works explore themes of identity, politics and the complexities of contemporary Ukrainian society. Kurkov is also a commentator on Ukraine's political landscape and has contributed to international publications such as The Guardian and The New York Times.

Dr. Roman Koropeckyj is a distinguished professor of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian languages and cultures at UCLA. Specializing in Polish and Ukrainian literature, his research focuses on 19th-century Romanticism and its impact on national identities in Eastern Europe. He is the author of several scholarly works, including Adam Mickiewicz: The Life of a Romantic, a critically acclaimed biography of Poland’s national poet. A passionate educator, he has also received numerous awards for his teaching and contributions to Slavic studies and Dr. Koropeckyj's expertise in Eastern European literature and culture has him considered a prominent voice in the field.