Svetlana Ischenko tackles the creative tension between her identity as a Ukrainian poet, with deeply Ukrainian sensibilities, and that of an immigrant poet enthused by her adopted country.

In Nucleus readers will see through a Ukrainian immigrant's eyes as she looks back at the land and traditions of her original country. This collection illuminates Ischenko's poetic transformation, from a heroic crown of sonnets to freer, lyrical pieces, but all within the dynamic of Ukrainian and Canadian subject matter and sensibilities. A powerful collection, made even more profound in light of recent events in Ukraine.

Nucleus includes a fascinating introductory essay that explores the immigrant's translation of self in a new country. (From Ronsdale Press)

Born in Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine, Svetlana Ischenko is a North Vancouver-based poet, translator, former actress and teacher. She writes poetry, essays and plays in both English and Ukrainian. Her poems have been featured in The Antigonish Review and Event.