What was the Ukrainian programme at the 2026 Turin International Book Fair?

For the second year running, the Ukrainian Institute brought Ukrainian literature to the Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino – Italy’s largest literary event, which this year set a new attendance record with over 254,000 visitors and more than 2,700 events. 

With the support of the Ukrainian Institute, two events took place as part of the official programme: 

May 16. A conversation on contemporary Ukrainian poetry, featuring the presentation of Italian translations of The Ending Songs by Iryna Shuvalova and The Last Supper of My Body by Alex Averbukh – both published by Interlinea. The event drew a full house and sparked a lively discussion on the voices and themes shaping Ukrainian poetry today. The translation of The Ending Songs by Yaryna Grusha and Alessandro Achilli was shortlisted for the Drahomán Prize 2025. 

May 17. Presentation of L’Album Blu – the debut novel by Yaryna Grusha, published by Bompiani. In conversation with journalist Paola Peduzzi, Yaryna spoke about a story that moves from the Chornobyl disaster through the fall of the Soviet Union, the Orange Revolution, and the Revolution of Dignity. The presentation was followed by a book signing, with copies selling briskly.