Book Review: Odesa
Odesa by Yelena Yemchuk 1
Written by Margarita Matta
Copy Edited by Taina Millsap
Photo Edited by Yanting Chen
Odesa focuses on the book’s namesake – a city known for its freedom and uniqueness during Soviet times, but also full of hypocrisy – “acceptance but also danger. A place of jokes and characters, populated by outlaws and intellectuals.” Ukrainian photographer Yelena Yemchuk seeks not only to document Odesa in her book but also to celebrate and reflect on the individuality of its people. Especially given the current political climate in Ukraine, Odesa gives light and hope to a nation riddled by despair. With poems by Ilya Kaminsky, presented alongside selected images, this book creates a holistic view of a town that might otherwise be overlooked, showing the odds and ends of a population that deserves to be known.
The captivating photograph Dancing in Odesa pictures a young girl with the word HELL written across her shirt. Her expression is somber, as she looks at the camera with an almost hopeless glance of sadness. In the accompanying poem by Ilya Kaminsky for this photo, he reads, “my secret: at age of four I became deaf. When I lost my / hearing, I began to see voices.” The voices of Odesa must be many, indeed, and her expression wears the many hardships and lives lived by the voices she hears. Photos such as Dancing in Odesa remind readers of the concept of sonder or the profound realization that everyone has their own equally complex, equally individualized lives.
Odesa by Yelena Yemchuk 4
Another photograph depicts a different young girl, this time in a military uniform and helmet. Her expression draws attention to the image – the young woman stands, hands at her sides, looking off into the distance with a small smile on her face. The smile she wears is surprising, due to the preconceived notion that images involving the military must be associated with moments of sadness. What is making this woman smile? What is bringing her joy? What is she fighting for? These images raise more questions than answers, creating a thought-provoking, intriguing book.
Odesa by Yelena Yemchuk 3
Yemchuck’s personal experiences, and connection to the town of Odesa, are what set the book apart. Looking at the collection of pictures and writings transports viewers to her childhood, allowing readers to befriend the many characters photographed, and feel as though they are walking along the structures and grounds. Odessa creates an environment of appreciation and observation that adds attention to details often missed, and characterizes people that most would just see as strangers. A second printing of the book is available for pre-order at the following link, courtesy of GOST Books:
Odesa by Yelena Yemchuk
