Andriy Lyubka presented his new novel “Evening in Istanbul”

After a five-year creative break, the writer has produced an unplanned “child”
On All-Ukrainian Library Day, September 30, the Transcarpathian Regional Universal Scientific Library named after Fedir Potushnyak hosted the presentation of a new novel by Transcarpathian writer Andriy Lyubka, “Evening in Istanbul.” The presentation was moderated by the editor-in-chief of the regional library, Ivanna Kogutych-Havrosh.
Andriy Lyubka is a graduate of the Faculty of Philology of UzhNU, a well-known writer, translator, essayist, and winner of many international awards. In 2025, he was included in the list of “100 People of Culture” according to NV magazine. The author’s works include the novels “Carbide,” “Your Gaze, Chio-Chio-san,” “MUR,” the short story collections “A Room for Sorrow,” Killer, the essay collections Saudade, Something’s Wrong with Me, War from the Rear, the reportage book of travel notes In Search of Barbarians, and three poetry collections.

He chose the title of his new book so that readers could take a break from the realities of today. He jokes that if he had called the novel “An Evening in Uzhhorod,” it would have been perceived as comical and absurd, while Istanbul adds intrigue and fairy-tale charm. Andriy is convinced that this will make the book more popular.

The events of the novel unfold in our days — in the midst of the war with Russia. A Ukrainian writer travels from Uzhhorod to Istanbul for the presentation of the Turkish translation of his novel. It would seem to be an ordinary literary trip, but before leaving, he is approached by an officer of the Security Service of Ukraine.