Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began, I have been constantly following Illia Ponomarenko's Twitter feed. This young journalist has provided me not only with the most accurate information, but also with an emotion-packed commentary on what is happening on the ground. I admire not only his courage and fortitude, but also his way with words. And now I have a boatload of it.

It is a strange experience to read a book about a war that is still unfolding and its fate still to be determined. But that makes it all the more important to pay attention. Ponomarenko gives us first-hand observations from the front lines, but also paints a broader geopolitical picture. I hope this book will become an instant classic.

Thanks to the publisher, Bloomsbury USA, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

An excellent story of the opening days of the War in Ukraine. The details are not spared and readers should be prepared for a complete account of the lead up to and the first days of the war. The writer does an excellent job of providing a first hand account of the stories that are told for other people as well as the writers own.

I Will Show You How It Was: The Story of Wartime Kyiv by Illia Ponomarenko is a personal account of the events leading up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the early weeks of the war. Mr. Ponomarenko is a journalist working for The Kyiv Independent. His writing style is informal and accessible which adds to the authenticity of his descriptions. Throughout the memoir, excerpts from key political speeches and other sources are cited. This brings an important element of credibility to Mr. Ponomarenko's accounts of the circumstances. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is eager to gain a firsthand perspective of the war in Ukraine. In addition to being a useful and readable account of the war for those wanting to learn more about the present situation, this book will be a very valuable source of primary literature to those studying this war in the future. My only feedback is that book is written for someone who has a basic understanding of Ukrainian geography and history. This book may be difficult to follow by individuals with no background of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2024, anyone who is following the news will have that required background.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.