- June 3, 2025
- 9:54 pm
- Ukraine
On June 1, 2025, at the “Sens” bookstore on Khreshchatyk in Kyiv (Ukraine), a presentation of the Ukrainian translation of the famous bestseller “Souls” by Israeli writer and playwright Roy Chen took place. This literary carnival, filled with humor, despair, and cultural depth, was published by “Dukh i Litera” with the support of the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine.
The book is already available on the website of the “Dukh i Litera” publishing house.
About the author and his achievements
Roy Chen is an Israeli writer and playwright of the Gesher Theater (Tel Aviv), born on January 10, 1980. He is also known as a translator from Russian, French, and English. Chen is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including:
- Shmuel Agnon Prize for Literature (2023)
- Rosenblum Award in Performing Arts (2022)
- Levi Eshkol Literary Prize (2021)
- Yitzhak Navon Prize for Contribution to Israeli Culture (2017)
His works have been translated into English, Italian, German, and other languages, and his plays are staged worldwide — from Franco Parenti Theater in Milan to Arlekin Players in Boston.
A cultural bridge between Israel and Ukraine
Thanks to the initiative of the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine, the novel “Souls” has been translated into Ukrainian for the first time. The translation was done by Anna Nekrasova, preserving the vivid style of the author and conveying the magic of the text.
The plot of the novel “Souls”
The main character, Grisha, is an eccentric 39-year-old man living in modern Israel, but in fact — a time traveler. For four hundred years, his soul has been moving from body to body, experiencing different eras and cultures. One day, Grisha decides to record his unusual biography on the computer to share it with the world.
“Souls” is a refined and witty literary work that takes the reader through centuries of Jewish history: from 17th-century theater to the ghettos of Venice, the lives of Jewish women in Morocco, and the immigration from the USSR to Israel.
It is a captivating journey through time, filled with humor, despair, and cultural depth.
“Souls” is also a funny and touching story about the desperate search for the meaning of life and at least one kindred soul.
Presentation at “Sens” and Ukrainian actors
The atmosphere of the evening at “Sens” was enhanced by the dramatic readings of excerpts from the novel by Rimma Zubina and Ivan Bilash — well-known Ukrainian theater and film actors. These performances allowed the guests to feel the emotional richness of the work.
The significance of the event for the Jewish community
The presentation of “Souls” has become a symbol of cultural dialogue between Israelis and Ukrainians, as well as between the Jewish communities of both peoples. It highlighted the importance of preserving and rethinking Jewish history in the context of modern Ukraine.
| Fact | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Author of the novel | Roy Chen (Israel) |
| Translation into Ukrainian | Anna Nekrasova |
| Location of the presentation | “Sens” Bookstore, Kyiv |
| Support | Embassy of Israel in Ukraine |
| Date of the event | June 1, 2025 |
Echoes of the presentation
NAnews — Israel News emphasizes that this event is especially important for Jews of Israeli-Ukrainian origin. “Souls” opens a new chapter in the dialogue between cultures, reminding us of the rich heritage and mutual respect.
The presentation of the book “Souls” is not just a literary event. It is a contribution to bringing the Jewish and Ukrainian peoples closer together, strengthening historical memory, and forging spiritual connections. Israeli literature through translations into Ukrainian opens new horizons for mutual understanding and respect.
Read more news about events in Israel and Ukraine on our website NAnews — Israel News.
