A journey through the literatures of Europe. 2: Ukraine. Julian Evans continues his exploration of the developments and connections between the novel writing traditions of European countries and reaches Ukraine, the former Soviet republic struggling to emerge with a clear identity after centuries of suppression. In physical terms the price of that suppression is only just being fully understood. The same applies in literary terms to the Ukrainian language endeavouring to break out of the shadow of Russian language and literature. There is also for Ukrainian writers the practical business of making money in a country which, until recently, has seen spiralling inflation and zero growth. Julian Joseph talks to a cross section of novelists who are taking on the challenge.