Feminism’s 'Bible': How Oksana Zabuzhko’s Novel Sparked a Debate on Postcolonial Trauma.

Exploring the Impact of Oksana Zabuzhko’s Novel

According to Espreso.tv: A discussion on how Oksana Zabuzhko’s novel has shaped Ukrainian society, postcolonial trauma, and female experience took place on May 23, 2026, at the 'Krakow' cultural hub in Kyiv. The event featured prominent writers, critics, and cultural managers, including Oksana Zabuzhko herself, Olesya Ostrovska-Lyuta, Rostyslav Semkiv, Vitaliy Zhezhera, Larysa Denysenko, and Maryna Stepanska. Myroslava Barchuk moderated the conversation.

Zabuzhko’s novel, widely hailed as the 'bible of Ukrainian feminism,' has been translated into over 20 languages. In 1996 alone, the author gave around one hundred interviews, underscoring the intense interest in her work. During the discussion, participants examined how the book has reshaped perceptions of female experience in Ukraine.

“Before this, I read about female sensuality through a man’s eyes—it was a male perspective. Here, it was the opposite. I was struck by the author’s courage, frankness, and confession.”

— Larysa Denysenko

The conversation also highlighted how Zabuzhko achieved a postcolonial psychoanalysis through the metaphor of sex.

“In this novel, the author managed to carry out a postcolonial psychoanalysis using the metaphor of sex.”

— Myroslava Barchuk

This dialogue allowed participants to gain deeper insights into the novel’s influence on contemporary Ukrainian culture and its role in shaping female identity. Oksana Zabuzhko emphasized: “As a young author, I felt so oppressed and pressured that I realized something had to be done—and done immediately.” The event marked a significant step in promoting feminism and postcolonial analysis within Ukrainian society.

Literature’s Role in Addressing Social Issues

This discussion underscores literature’s power as a tool for examining social and cultural issues, particularly female experience and postcolonial trauma. Oksana Zabuzhko’s novel remains relevant for new generations, opening fresh avenues for debating feminist identities in Ukraine.

Events like this foster critical thinking and broaden cultural dialogue across society.