Ukrainian Books in French: Digital Platform Expands to Francophone Readers
A French version of the Chapter Ukraine platform has been created, featuring over 100 Ukrainian books in translation for French-speaking readers.
The Gaze reports on this, referring to Chytomo.
Chapter Ukraine has launched the fourth language version of its digital platform – French. At the time of launch, the catalog includes over 100 books from 34 publishers, mostly from France, but also from Canada and Belgium. The platform provides users with information about Ukrainian books in translation, which are available for purchase or to order through libraries and bookstores.
The project was supported by the Ukrainian Desjardins Fund and the organizers of the Ukrainian stand at the Salon du livre in Montreal. This allowed the practical effectiveness of the catalog to be tested and helped ensure the visibility of Ukrainian books in French-speaking countries.
“For us, it is important to support such projects because books are one of the most powerful tools of cultural diplomacy; they help Ukraine be visible in the world,” says Roma Kupchynska, Director of the Ukrainian Desjardins Fund.
The project’s initiators emphasize that the platform helps not only readers but also authors who today cannot attend international events due to the war.
The Chapter Ukraine catalog carefully organizes selections of translations based on the professionalism of the translation, the availability of the edition, reader reviews, media coverage, and the distribution system.
Special attention is given to popular series such as Présence Ukrainienne by l’Harmattan, translations by Noir sur Blanc and Bleu et jaune, as well as children’s literature from Rue du Monde.
The platform’s most prolific translator is Iryna Dmytryshyn, with 26 books in the catalog translated by her. The platform allows readers to recommend books to libraries and bookstores, creating demand for Ukrainian literature worldwide.
“Chapter Ukraine also allows every reader to participate in cultural diplomacy: choose books, recommend them to libraries and bookstores, and create demand. It is a simple and effective way to support Ukraine where readers really matter,” says Olha Holovko, co-founder and Development Director of the Ukrainian Club of Montreal.
On September 30, Ukraine launched Chapter Ukraine, a digital platform showcasing Ukrainian books translated into foreign languages, including English, German, and Spanish. The platform was created by Craft Media and Chytomo in partnership with Snig.digital, Kavi.Agency, PEN Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Book Institute.
It provides detailed information about each book, including publishers, translators, distributors, awards, and critical reviews. Users can create personal lists of books to order or recommend to libraries and bookstores.
The project also promotes Ukrainian literature abroad through an advocacy campaign. Volunteers receive guidance on contacting libraries and bookstores, while readers can become cultural ambassadors by creating and sharing selections of their favorite Ukrainian books.
As The Gaze reported earlier, only English, German, and Spanish versions of Chapter Ukraine were initially launched.
Read more on The Gaze: Here’s How You Can Read the Best Ukrainian Books in Your Own Language