Sweet Darusya, Maria Matios’ best-known novel, has been rightly called "a tragedy matching the history of the 20th century", and Darusya herself is "an almost biblical figure".
This “drama in three lives” has nothing unambiguous: neither characters nor circumstances nor resolution. There are no epoch-making people or events, heroes or villains, but, as one critic noted, "your heart breaks when you read this book."
Sweet Darusya recreates the true spirit of the past through a family saga and touches upon topics that until now prevent a part of modern society from perceiving Ukrainian history without omissions, censorship and irritability. This unique view that Maria Matios offers in this novel, measures the essence of human urges, suffering, true love, and human nature in general.
Authentic writing style, deep psychologism, and a complex plot that unfolds in reverse chronological order create a unique piece of prose.