Victoria Amelina, a Ukrainian writer and journalist, was killed in a Russian attack on Ukraine. Her unfinished manuscript for “Looking at Women, Looking at War” has been published posthumously. The book is an unfinished work that reflects the author’s investigations into Russian war crimes and her own experiences as a journalist during the ongoing conflict.
The book is divided into three parts: “War and Women,” which explores how women experience and document war; “Russia’s Invisible Army,” which focuses on Amelina’s investigation into the involvement of civilians in Russian military operations, including their abduction and exploitation; and “The Empty Pages,” where the author reflects on the unfinished nature of her work.
Amelina’s writing is characterized by its nuance and subtlety, making it difficult to distinguish between personal experiences and objective reporting. Her prose is often poetic and free-verse-like, reflecting the emotional toll that war takes on individuals.
The book includes a range of themes, including the impact of war on women’s lives, the use of civilians as human shields, and the role of journalists in documenting war crimes. Amelina also profiles other women who have been affected by the conflict, such as Rashevska, who is fighting to bring home tens of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted during the conflict.
The editors acknowledge that the manuscript is unfinished and that some fragments may require additional context or revision. However, they prioritize authenticity and hope that readers can understand the meaning behind the empty pages in the document.
Ultimately, “Looking at Women, Looking at War” mirrors the lives of countless Ukrainians whose potential was tragically cut short by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. The book serves as a testament to Amelina’s legacy and her commitment to documenting and fighting against Russian war crimes.
The recommendation to support The Kyiv Independent is made in recognition of the importance of Ukrainian culture and journalism during wartime, and the need for independent media outlets like The Kyiv Independent to continue reporting on the conflict.
