I Will Show You How It Was

The Story of Wartime Kyiv

By: Illia Ponomarenko

Narrated by: Sergey Nagorny

Bloomsbury presents I Will Show You How It Was by Illia Ponomarenko, read by Sergey Nagorny.

"A story of searing clarity from Ukraine’s frontlines of an unfathomably resilient, freedom loving people who refuse to bend to Putin’s assault on truth and human life."—Nicole Perlroth

“Destined to become a classic of modern war reporting.”—Luke Harding

A raw, irreverent account of a young Ukrainian reporter on-the-ground as his country heroically defends itself against the Russian invasion.

In late February 2022, a series of missiles and rocket strikes began falling upon Ukraine, as the Russian military barreled over the border and fanned out across the country. First they took Chernobyl, then Kherson, then Mariupol. Time stood still as the world waited for Ukraine to flatten underneath the boot of its neighbor.

Meanwhile, on the front lines in the capital city, Kyiv Independent reporter Illia Ponomarenko was seeing a different story on unfold: after months—years—of waiting for this long-feared attack, Ukraine was fed up and ready to fight back. The Russians bogged down hard in combat east and west of Kyiv. They got exhausted. They screwed up logistics. They sustained heavy losses. Their unbelievably overconfident blitz was failing.

I Will Show You How It Was is Illia Ponomarenko’s heart-wrenching memoir of the war on his homeland, offering a fiery diatribe against Russian hypocrisy and a moving look at what is being lost. But it’s also a story of pride and even elation as Ukrainian forces come together, find their mojo, and oust the invaders from Kyiv. The most powerful and personal chronicle of the war to date, I Will Show You How It Was is an exceptional literary achievement, chronicling a stunning feat of resistance and a courageous people set on a miraculous victory.©2024 Illia Ponomarenko (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

the authors first hand account of events

i loved the authentic Ukrainian narrator and the authors first hand account. it is inspiring to see Ukrainian success

The Dignity of the Ukrainian People

Great imagery of life in Kyiv and Ukraine before the unprovoked Russian invasion. Hang in there guys!

Amazing firsthand account

Gripping story of living through the first days and weeks of the Ukraine Russia war

First hand knowledge!

Great pros! The author does a great job bringing the events to life. Good narrator voice. Great pace never a dull moment. Follow up book post war! This is a 5star book.

Pain & Vanquishment

Sobering account of the Russian invasion from a journalist who remained in Kyiv during its darkest days. The listener is introduced to a vibrant, beautiful cosmopolitan city and led through the unthinkable.
Compelling and heartfelt.