Іvan Baidak (born in 1990) is a daring Ukrainian fiction writer and poet whose debut novel Personally Me Personally for You (2013) became a national bestseller and garnered excellent critical reviews. His two short story collections, Role Plays (2014) and The Shadows of Our Dates (2017), topped bookstore bestseller lists. His latest novel A man with my name (2019) was excellent proof of the writer’s maturity.
In 2020, he wrote a social novel about the inclusion “Invisible”, which received publicity among the elite of society. The book was recognized as one of the best in 2020 according to PEN Ukraine. There was a theater play staged based on the book, and several photo exhibitions devoted to the topic were organized. The book is translated and published in Canada (Guernica Editions), Poland (Anagram) and Italy (Flâneurs Edizioni)
Originally from Ukraine, he’s lived in many places across the world, including Poland, Austria, Mexico, and the United States where he attended creative writing classes at the City College of San Francisco. His short stories have been translated into English, German, Serbian, Polish, Spanish, and Italian, and presented at European literary festivals.
In 2019, the author’s debut Euro-tour took place, during which Ivan visited Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Prague, Berlin, Munich and Paris. He received a scholarship from Gaude Polonia 2020. In 2022 Ivan was a resident of Camargo Foundation in Cassis, France, the Association of Translators ATLAS in Arles, France, and Slovenian Writers Association in Bled, Slovenia, Late 2022 he also presented the book “Invisible” to Canada visiting Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg.
His writing style is characterized by keen psychological insight, rich imagery, and precise use of language. Placing his protagonists in realistic, contemporary settings, he adds a touch of philosophical meditation and emotional intensity. His texts often border on narrative experiments, when the author plays with the form, the storyline, and the textual dynamics.
At various points of my life, I wanted to become a music producer, move to Argentina, or even become a sports journalist. But my list of wishes grew significantly larger, while time kept running out. I ultimately became a writer and now there is no one I cannot be.
Ivan Baidak