Toreadors from Vasyukivka
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.jpeg) Cover of the Russian-language translation of the book | |
| Author | Vsevolod Nestayko |
|---|---|
| Original title | Тореадори з Васюківки |
| Language | Ukrainian |
| Genre | Novel |
| Published | 1972 |
Toreadors from Vasyukivka (Ukrainian: Тореадори з Васюківки; Bullfighters from Vasyukivka) is a humorous three-part children's novel written between 1963 and 1970 by the Ukrainian writer Vsevolod Nestayko. The book is considered one of the most prominent children's novels in contemporary Ukrainian literature and was translated in over 20 languages.
The novel consists of three episodes (published as separate stories): “The Adventures of Robinson Kukuruzo” (Ukrainian: «Пригоди Робінзона Кукурузо»), “The Stranger from Apartment Thirteen” (Ukrainian: «Незнайомець із тринадцятої квартири») and “The Secret of the Three Unknowns” (Ukrainian: «Таємниця трьох невідомих»). Each episode has its own logical narrative, connected to the other ones only through the main characters.
The main characters of the book are Ukrainian schoolboys from the village of Vasyukivka – Pavlusha Zavgorodniy (in early editions – Kryvorotko) and Yava (Ivan) Ren. The brave Yava and the more calm and reasonable Pavlusha are united by a sincere desire to become famous throughout the world. To achieve this, throughout the trilogy they attempt to become toreadors, catch foreign spies in their village, conquer Kyiv, and many other adventures. The main message of the book is true friendship, self-sacrifice, and readiness to help someone in need.