German publisher cancels Ukraine wartime romance novel after backlash

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 04:32 · Archive

A German publisher has cancelled a novel about a romance between a Ukrainian woman and Russian soldier after criticism it romanticised the war.

German publishing house Molino has cancelled publication of the novel 'Who I Am When You See Me', which was scheduled for release on November 1. The book tells the story of a Ukrainian woman named Lyusiya who develops a relationship with a masked Russian soldier after he rescues her during an explosion in occupied Kherson.

Molino's head Matthias Slunitschek said he decided to cancel the publication after receiving critical comments, made at the author's request. One person had questioned how sensitively the publisher was handling Ukrainian experiences and how it was depicting the war through the novel's marketing. Critics argued that portraying a Russian soldier as a rescuer and romantic partner to a Ukrainian civilian risked romanticising the reality of military occupation, violence and suffering faced by Ukraine's civilian population.

Slunitschek defended the author's intention, saying the novel was meant to show that 'human encounter rises above external circumstances' and that it promoted 'humanity and peace and is against the war'. Author Juna Liebrecht expressed an apology if people felt attacked or hurt, stating she had not wanted to offend anyone or romanticise the war.

How it is being reported

• Ukraine wartime romance novel ditched after backlashA novel depicting a forbidden love affair between a Ukrainian woman and a Russian soldier has been pulped after concerns it risked romanticising the war.Perth Now · 18 Oct, 04:11
• Ukraine wartime romance novel ditched after backlashA novel depicting a forbidden love affair between a Ukrainian woman and a Russian soldier has been pulped after concerns it risked romanticising the war.The West Australian · 18 Oct, 04:11

In this story: Molino · Juna Liebrecht · Matthias Slunitschek · Ukraine · Kherson · Germany

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