A Small, Stubborn Town

“A short, brilliant book on the battle for Voznesensk . . . captures the mixture of courage, bewilderment and mania of Ukrainians who decide to fight.” —Gideon Rachman, Financial Times

It's March 2022 and Russian tanks are roaring across the vast, snow-dusted fields of southern Ukraine. Their destination, Voznesensk, home of the small Dead Water Bridge that could change the course of the war. The heavily-armed Russians are expecting an easy fight—or no fight at all. After all, Voznesensk is a quiet farming town, full of pensioners. But the locals have other ideas. Ukrainian troops, supported by an eclectic army of local volunteers, deliver a crushing blow to Russian plans.

In his book, British journalist Andrew Harding unfolds a microcosm of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, painting a raw, palpable picture of resilience, ingenuity, and unfettered defiance. Harding, a seasoned BBC correspondent, takes you on an extraordinary journey, navigating the landscapes of war-torn Ukraine with astute professionalism and an incisive eye for detail. Drawing from his first-hand experience and intimate reporting, he crafts a narrative that resonates with heroism, humor, and a deep sense of humanity.

Inside find:

• A detailed account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Personal stories of resilience and defiance from ordinary people in Voznesensk
• Insightful reporting from Andrew Harding, a trusted BBC correspondent

“A story of extraordinary heroism by ordinary people.” —James Meek

“Fascinating, vivid, often harrowing, and deeply moving. A must-read for anyone trying to grasp both the human dimension and larger dynamics of this brutal contemporary war.” —Fiona Hill, author of There Is Nothing for You Here