Tiger Trappers

The “Non-Canonical Canon” series seeks to revisit overlooked Ukrainian writers whose texts were often read without understanding the historical realities behind them. Each work is accompanied by interpretive essays by Ukrainian literary scholars.

The novel’s protagonist, Hryhorii Mnohohrishnyi, escapes from a train carrying him into exile in Siberia, thereby challenging the Soviet totalitarian system. He is relentlessly pursued by an NKVD executioner. Wandering through the taiga he encounters a Ukrainian family who shelters him and helps him rediscover emotional peace and love. But can he truly remain safe? Will the totalitarian machine ever allow him to live freely?

This gripping adventure novel remains one of the most life-affirming works in Ukrainian literature.