I am an ordinary person who once decided to move to Europe and change my life for the better. In Ukraine, I lived through the collapse of the Soviet Union, developed my business, and achieved some success. My personal life was not bad, but it left something to be desired. The first Ukrainian Orange Revolution, in which I took part, did not improve my life; moreover, I was charged with criminal offences and arrested by the new authorities. That was when I decided to leave Ukraine. But what did I find in Europe?

My dreams of a happy European future began to vanish like dew at dawn. I lost my family. It was unrealistic to start a new one in a society where there is no family culture. The search for modest prospects in business and at least some hope of starting a family prompted me to write this book. Life in Europe is difficult not because we are not ready for it. The people who live here are completely different.

I came here with an open and kind heart. I shared my story with people who seemed like friends to me at the time. But I felt absolutely no response. No one here talks about themselves or anything else. There is no concept of friendship, honor, loyalty, compassion, or love here.

And now I am faced with a terrible choice: to remain myself or to blend in with the local population. I am trying, but it is not working. I have to shut myself off and live in my own small, closed space with my thoughts and experiences. My fate is sealed in Europe. I will never achieve financial success here.

But I am tormented by the main question: what will happen to my children? Who will they grow up to be? Will they start a family in Europe and will they be happy?

There is still a glimmer of hope. I am not alone. I am slowly building a new family. I continue to see my children. Life goes on, and I will do everything I can to not lose my authenticity, to preserve traditions, and to remain myself in a completely foreign environment.