As the name promises, the twelve stories in this collection ultimately form a whimsical pattern, the individual lines of which intertwine, pick up on each other and recognize themselves in mutual reflections. However, this pattern is not exactly plant-based, although it is also plant-based. But above all, it consists of people's stories. People with different pasts, a ruined present and an unknown future. "We," says the author, "rely on memory to remain ourselves, we get used to new experiences, to accept this life, we do not give up illusions, because we are sure of our own tenderness and fierceness. This time will be talked about as a time of great cruelty and great cordiality. This time will be known by the voices of people who are not afraid to testify and accuse, as well as thank and testify."
A century ago, Mykola Khvylovy's "Arabesques" started the formation of Kharkiv's urban text. Ukrainian Kharkiv. Although there are many contrasts with Khvylov, Serhiy Zhadan's "Arabesques" is precisely the evidence that this text does not end, but on the contrary, continues, continues to weave and allows us to look into the next hundred years without excessive fear.
Oleksandr Boychenko
Serhiy Zhadan's illustrations are used in the artistic design of the book and on the cover.
