A Bunker in Kyiv cover art

A Bunker in Kyiv

The Astonishing Story of the People’s Army Defying Putin

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A Bunker in Kyiv

By: John Lyons
Narrated by: Peter Houghton
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About this listen

By daytime, Ukraine is a sophisticated European country going about its business, and Kyiv seems like an enchanting city. But by night, the sirens roar, and the war begins. Ukraine is using the amount of ammunition that all of Europe produces in one day, and yet on the surface, much of the country appears to be going about its business as usual.

This is a very different audiobook as this is a very different war – one fought by a huge army of civilians, from old punk rockers to university professors and Coca Cola brand managers who are working behind the scenes to outwit the Russian army. The real story of this war is how a nation of 44 million people has marshalled to fend off an enemy much bigger and more daunting than them.

Instead of focusing on the geopolitics or strategy of war, Lyons explores the everyday resilient civilians who are taking part in it. It is about survival, not soldiers, and in it Lyons tells us a hopeful story about humanity in the darkest of times.

©2025 John Lyons. John Lyons asserts his moral right to be identified as the author of this Work. First published in English by HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited in. (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing. This audio version produced by arrangement with HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited Art & Literature Journalists, Editors & Publishers Politics & Government Russian & Soviet World War Feel-Good
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Insightful description of the Ukrainian war experience on every day Ukrainians. Also an explanation of where it could lead if Putin succeeds

Personal stories of Ukrainians

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This is an expertly written book full of first hand information and telling many stories of great courage. I feel I now have a deeper understanding but also a deeper fear of the possible future scenarios. Allowing Putin to annex Ukraine would be disastrous for the rest of Europe. This is an extraordinary book that sees this war through the eyes of the soldiers, the children, the medical teams and the people who are trying to live their lives in Kyiv as normally as possible. Meanwhile bombs and drones and mortars still keep being fired throughout the night from Russia.

From the inside and the outside

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What’s great book this is, very well narrated and really takes you to Ukraine. Once you start listening you can’t stop! I heard about this book on ABC Radio on the day it released and I got it as soon as I was home. Well done for telling the true story of what’s going on in Ukraine!

Great listen

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Excellent extremely well written, insightful and compelling, thankyou for researching and sharing. Really good narration by a clear calm narrator

Extremely well written, very insightful and compelling, thank you for researching and sharing.

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An important story of how the suffering people of Ukraine turned to each other and organised in pursuit of freedom for themselves, and for all. The spectre of Russia is foreboding. Told with insight, context and a personal touch. Thank you John and Sylvie.

On the scent of freedom….

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This is a fascinating book, full of information about the background to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and interviews from many people inside Ukraine and outside experts. I often hear John Lyons on ABC Radio and see him on TV. I don't know how he had time to research and write this remarkable book, but we are greatly in his debt for doing so.

How the Ukrainian people defy Putin

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