From: UkraineWorld.com — Interview with Artem Chapeye.
Artem Chapeye is a Ukrainian writer, a member of PEN Ukraine, a translator, reporter, and traveler. In 2022, he voluntarily joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Four of Chapeye’s books were shortlisted for the BBC Ukraine Book of the Year Award: Journey with “Mamayota in Search of Ukraine” in 2011, “The Red Zone” — his debut in fiction — in 2014, “Overrun” in 2015, and “The Ukraine” in 2018.
Artem Chapeye’s latest book, “Ordinary People Don’t Carry Machine Guns”, is a raw account of the inner transformation of a person who made the choice to become a soldier. Through careful self-reflection, free of pathos, embellishment, or a desire to please the reader, Chapeye explains how an existential decision leads to irreversible change — when all previous beliefs must be tested against a new, stark reality.
In this interview, Artem Chapeye speaks about the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, reflects on his time in the military, shares what he’s been reading, and discusses how the war has reshaped his writing. We also include excerpts from his latest book.
Voice of Ukraine 