Book Process
"Stemmen uit Kyiv" is a reflective journey into the capital of a nation at war, capturing the voices of those living through one of the most turbulent times in 2024.
The book is the result of a year-long contemplation on Ukraine by Charles Smeets, who authored the book and conducted all the interviews, some with the assistance of an interpreter. The process of creating this book began with numerous conversations with Ukrainians, both inside and outside the Netherlands. These dialogues sparked a deeper curiosity and a sense of responsibility, leading to visit Kyiv. This visit was not just a simple travel experience; it was a packed itinerary dedicated to collecting stories, anecdotes, and insights from the city's diverse inhabitants.
Every day in Kyiv was filled with explorative conversations, ranging from impromptu chats with random strangers to in-depth discussions with investors, entrepreneurs, taxi drivers, baristas, and more. The spontaneous encounters painted a picture of daily life under the shadow of war. One person explained it well: 'there’s no such thing as a postponed life. Live it—everything can change or be over in a single night' .
Following this exploratory phase, Smeets conducted 20+ carefully semi-structured interviews with individuals who live in Kyiv, or other places in Ukraine. These interviews provided a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the complexities and resilience of the people living there. The collected stories and interviews were then woven together to create a narrative that is both personal and universal, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of Kyiv's residents during the war.
Written originally in Dutch, "Stemmen uit Kyiv" will also been translated into English, making the stories accessible to a wider audience. While still being written, the book is made available for pre-order.
In a unique approach, the book serves as a thank-you gift for those who donate to a charitable cause supporting Ukraine. Unlike traditional donations where donors receive nothing in return, this initiative ensures that contributors receive a tangible, meaningful token of appreciation.
The entire process is managed transparently via CrowdFundr, where all pre-orders are tracked, and all proceeds from the book sales are directed to a non-governmental organization (NGO) working to support cultural exchange and the donation of EcoFlows to schools in Ukraine.
"Stemmen uit Kyiv" is an easy to read book that can be read in a day or two. It's a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience and culture. By buying the voices of Kyiv are shared and you donate to cultural exchange and Ukraine.