The Ukrainian

By Sascha von Bornheim

A Ukrainian farmboy´s life is shattered when Russian forces invade his country and murder his family. 
Undaunted, he enlists in the army, determined to fight for the freedom of his people. During the course of the war, he suffers wounds, helps civilians, forges close bonds with his fellow troops... and plots a final revenge that will make the news around the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sascha von Bornheim
• Release date: Jun 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227423542

Sascha von Bornheim

3 Questions for Sascha von Bornheim: Q: You can take one item with you to a deserted island. What is it? SvB: A boat. Q: Why? SvB: Well, it's an island. I assume it's surrounded by water. Q: You can't get off the island. The point of the question is to find out what you'd take with you if you had to stay there permanently. SvB: A gun. Q: You would shoot yourself? SvB: Evidently. I mean, the island is deserted. Who else am I going to shoot? Rick James? Oh wait, he's already dead. Now, I didn't know him personally, but I think the cocaine might have had something to do with it. It's a hell of a drug. Q: If you could have dinner with one famous person from history, who would it be? SvB: Einstein, Hitler, Aristotle... all such obvious choices, so I must say 'no' to them. Plus, I'd want to have some fun... so I guess I'd have dinner with Jesus. Q: Jesus? How is that fun? SvB: He had a fondness for wine and his wife was a hooker. Use your imagination. Q: Why do you write so much about death? SvB: It fascinates me. We all get to experience it, no matter who we are. Death is the one constant thing in our lives, time and space mean nothing to it. It comes to us all. And yet, no one has lived to tell the rest of us about it... what's it like? I for one believe that we simply cease to exist, but the concept of not being at some point in time when I am clearly here right now is difficult to grasp, and maybe a bit scary. I guess I'll just have to live forever. ***** Sascha von Bornheim was born in Bonn, Germany in 1978 and resides in Montreal, Canada. He is a member of the International High IQ Society and The Brights.

Book preview

THE UKRAINIAN

by

SASCHA VON BORNHEIM

The sun rose over the verdant fields of the Ukrainian countryside, casting a warm golden hue over the small village of Vinogradivka. Ivan Petrov stood on the porch of his family’s farmhouse, gazing out at the familiar landscape. The 18-year-old farm boy had lived his entire life here, helping his parents tend to the fields and livestock. The air was filled with the scent of freshly tilled earth and blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the storm that loomed on the horizon.

Ivan's family was close-knit. His father, Mikhail, was a stern but loving man, whose hands bore the callouses of decades of hard work. His mother, Anna, was the heart of the household, her warmth and kindness a beacon in their lives. Ivan also had a younger sister, Katya, who idolized him and often followed him around the farm.

The morning routine was as familiar as the rising sun. Ivan helped his father with the heavy lifting, moving sacks of grain and bales of hay. Mikhail shared stories of his youth, tales of resilience and survival that seemed to belong to another era. Despite the rumors of war, the family clung to the hope that their village would remain untouched.

At breakfast, the family gathered around the wooden table, sharing a meal of fresh bread, cheese, and eggs. The conversation was light, filled with laughter and stories. Ivan couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding, though he tried to push it aside.

After breakfast, Ivan and Katya set out to the village market. The market square was bustling with activity, villagers exchanging goods and news. Ivan greeted his friends and neighbors, exchanging pleasantries and jokes. He visited the blacksmith, an old friend of his father's, and the baker, whose bread was the best in the region.

As they made their way through the market, Ivan noticed a