This gives us a front row seat for what has going on in Ukraine the day of the Russian invasion. Miller was there. Not only do we get a peek at a text Alexander Vindman sent to him just hours before the first cruise missiles began falling, we get to see the behind the scenes reactions of not just the Ukrainians, many of whom had been through this before in 2014, but the media. They always look so cool and calm when the "on the air" light goes on but, well, that is definitely not always easy, as we learn here.
Maybe equally importantly, the author shares his years of experience and insight from living and working in Ukraine for years. You'll get to know the people, the average Ukrainian, and get some insight into their pre-attack take on Russia and government in general. You'll also learn things like why the Russians were so determined to capture the last hold-outs in that salt mine, so to speak, and the impact that defiance had on the ultimate plan. You'll also hear harrowing accounts of some of those taken hostage and shipped to Russia, including endless rounds of hours and hours of interrogation and being forced in front of television cameras. It isn't pretty and you will sense Miller's genuine concern for the people involved and others he struggles to keep tabs on.
And, when you aren't focused on war, you'll learn about favorite foods, best places to eat (wonder how many still exist?), dress, and bits of the language and lore. Miller even sneaks in history lessons as he writes of his own learning curve in the Ukraine after originally sent there by the Peace Corps in 2009. He was sent to the Donbas. That saga in itself is worth a book. Oh, what they must have thought of that bearded young American that one child dubbed Uncle Hedgehog, who rode everywhere on a no-frills bicycle.
I won't detail the rest of the war related information since, sadly, it isn't exactly unknown. What is great about this book, though, is that through his seemingly idle memory sharing, several "whys" emerge as to why such and such was done or the reactions.
Bottom line, I feel smarter and far better informed for reading this book. My sincere thanks to #NetGalley and #BloomburyUSA for making it available.
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