Current problems of modern Ukrainian society in Max Kidruk’s novel “Colony. New Dark Ages”

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the study of the science fiction novel “Colony. New Dark Ages” by contemporary Ukrainian writer Max Kidruk. The first book of a planned trilogy was published in 2022 and immediately became a bestseller despite its considerable length (900 pages). This year, a Polish translation was released, and a Hungarian edition is expected soon. The novel’s popularity is undoubtedly due to its subject matter — a potentially terrifying scenario of the collapse of human civilization. This allows the novel to be classified as a cautionary tale, which determines the relevance and novelty of this scholarly research.

Max Kidruk represents a new wave of Ukrainian writers who actively introduce science fiction, techno-thrillers, and socially engaged literature into the literary space. His works are distinguished by a combination of scientific depth, intellectualism, and emotional intensity. “Colony. New Dark Ages” is a vivid example of how fiction can serve as a tool for critically reflecting on contemporary threats such as climate change, the dehumanization of society, the decline of moral values, the erosion of trust in institutions, technological control, and isolationism.

The relevance of this academic research lies in the fact that the issues raised in Kidruk’s novel are not merely artistic devices but directly reflect the sociocultural realities of Ukraine and the world. By analysing “Colony”, we can gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind societal anxiety, the dynamics of human relationships under crisis conditions, and the moral choices individuals face in times of catastrophe.

The article examines the artistic interpretation of contemporary social, political, economic, environmental, and moral-ethical issues in Max Kidruk’s science fiction novel “Colony. New Dark Ages”. Through this novel, Kidruk offers not only a fictional vision of the future but also a profound diagnosis of the present condition of humanity. His work serves as a warning: new technologies do not guarantee salvation unless humanity transforms itself. Thus, the novel can be interpreted as a mirror reflecting the human condition.

The conclusion emphasises the universal significance of the existential challenges addressed by the author and highlights the need for further exploration of these topics in Kidruk’s works. It also advocates for the inclusion of this novel in the curriculum of higher education institutions and secondary schools in Ukraine.