Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (book)

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (Ukrainian: Тіні забутих предків, romanized: Tini zabutykh predkiv) is a novel by Ukrainian author Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky, first published in 1911. It is considered a classic of Ukrainian literature and a significant work of modernist prose.

The novel is a tragic love story set in the Hutsul region of the Carpathian Mountains. It explores themes of love, death, folklore, paganism, and the clash between traditional ways of life and modernity. The narrative follows the life of Ivan, a Hutsul man deeply connected to the natural world and ancient beliefs, and his passionate but ultimately doomed relationship with Marichka, a girl from a rival family.

Kotsiubynsky's writing is known for its rich imagery, poetic language, and psychological depth. He masterfully portrays the unique culture and customs of the Hutsul people, weaving elements of their mythology and rituals into the narrative. The novel is notable for its use of dialect, vivid descriptions of the landscape, and exploration of the spiritual and emotional lives of its characters.

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors has been adapted into several forms, most notably the 1965 film of the same name directed by Sergei Parajanov. The film is a visually stunning and highly influential work of cinema that further cemented the novel's place in Ukrainian cultural history. The book itself continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary merit and its insightful portrayal of Hutsul life and traditions.