Liudmyla Okhrimenko is a writer and volunteer whose voice was born out of war. The occupation of her native Crimea, her first trips to frontline cities, humanitarian missions – all of this changed her forever. It was there, between the front and the rear, that the first short texts appeared on napkins, which became a book.

She had known for a long time: the great war was inevitable. And she met it in full readiness – with her entire life packed into a small trailer. Since then, displacement has become a new reality for many Kharkiv residents. But instead of stopping, Liudmyla embarked on a new journey – with words and help. She travelled to the de-occupied territories, listened, took notes, and wrote. Because in the voices of people there is truth that heals and gives strength.

Her latest book, Glass Rain, is about Kharkiv and Kharkiv people, about the city that has survived and the people who have changed. These are the voices of ordinary Ukrainians who became heroes of their time. Just like Liudmyla herself, who has travelled to 21 regions of Ukraine with her books, she touches readers and makes them happy: more and more people are remembering who they are and switching to Ukrainian – because the war not only destroys, it also restores. The most important thing is to start listening.