Product Description

In December 2004, the world watched as hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians gathered to defy the results of a transparently rigged presidential election. The charismatic popular candidate, Viktor Yushchenko, was disfigured after being poisoned by his opponents. The security forces threatened violent repression. But the demonstrators stayed and, as international pressure grew, the corrupt old regime that had been supported by Putin's Kremlin was deposed. It was the most significant moment for Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall. "An Orange Revolution" is the gripping account of this historic uprising and the events that led to it. Often in thrall to the Kremlin but aspiring to the liberties of western Europe, Ukraine was treated roughly by the twentieth century, occupied by the Germans and annexed by the Soviets. It saw guerrilla fighting after the Second World War and dissent was crushed by successive Communist administrations. Its history has been one of corruption, power struggles, organised crime, but a resiliently optimistic population. Based on firsthand observation and interviews with major players and anonymous demonstrators alike, this is about a people who have forced a lasting change: judges who defied death threats, a murdered journalist, amateur musicians who composed an anthem for the people, and soldiers who staked their lives to back the opposition. "An Orange Revolution" also traces the story of the author's family, who paid a high price for speaking out. An Orange Revolution is a captivating book about a defining moment in European history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #476418 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

The Economist
"A fast-paced account of Ukrainian history from the year dot until the revolution’s end…a good story"

Independent, Marcus Tanner
"This book is a great guide"

From the Publisher
Timely, gripping, and hard-hitting: the inside story of the most important events in Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall

Customer Reviews

An Amazing Gripping Book
I was unable to put this book down, regularly almost missing my stops on the train, this book provides an interesting and amazing journey into ukraine and its politics.

A page turner
It's rare to find a page-turning book about history that integrates the author's personal background and also illuminates current events. "An Orange Revolution" is that kind of book. Reading it kept me up long into the night.

A Fascinating, Enchanting read
An Orange Revolution is a book written by an author with a personal tale to tell as well as the tragic tale of the history of the people of Ukraine. The book first guides the reader through the history of a country that has faced invasion and persecution from the monguls thru to the Nazi's and Communist's and finally to the granting of independence and the Orange revolution when Ukranians discovered the true meaning of freedom. This fast paced read gives a great account of the principle actors in the revolution and how a corrupt state, run by a handful of criminals with the Russian Bear looking on was toppled by people power and a man the state tried to poison - Victor Yushenko - who with his political ally with the princess looks - Yulia Tymoshenko - won an election they were meant to lose.