The Documentary Podcast

Max Kidruk: Imagining the future in a science fiction trilogy

9 snips
Jul 7, 2025
Max Kidruk, a bestselling Ukrainian science fiction writer and author of The New Dark Ages trilogy, discusses his unique perspective on crafting futures while living amid war. He reveals how contemporary geopolitical conflicts shape his narratives, moving from idealistic dreams of Mars to realistic portrayals of colonization and survival. Kidruk shares the emotional challenges of writing during air alerts in Kyiv and the solace he finds in creativity. His journey symbolizes resilience, blending personal trials with broader cultural narratives.
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INSIGHT

Realistic Dystopia in Sci-Fi

  • Max Kidruk writes his trilogy to realistically depict a possible grim future to warn readers.
  • His sci-fi reflects the harsh reality of war and moral decline, rejecting overly optimistic visions.
INSIGHT

How War and Reality Shape a Sci-Fi Writer's Vision of the Future

Max Kidruk, a Ukrainian science fiction author, confronts the challenge of imagining the future while living through his country's war with Russia. His trilogy "The New Dark Ages" explores a grim future where the presence of Russians persists even on Mars, highlighting ongoing existential threats. Kidruk reflects on writing amidst real-world uncertainty, saying his work is a warning, but reality often outstrips his darkest predictions.

Despite the bleak backdrop, Kidruk imbues his writing with detailed scientific and social speculation, such as the effects of Martian gravity and a lifespan-extending drug, Telamid, that creates new societal challenges. His personal health struggles and the war's impact on his life deepen the urgency and complexity of his storytelling. He emphasizes writing for himself and preparing readers for a future where conflict and hardship endure far beyond the present.

This insight illustrates how contemporary trauma and hope coexist in Kidruk's speculative work, making it a poignant reflection on creativity in crisis.

ANECDOTE

Detailed Martian Worldbuilding

  • The Martian trilogy imagines a future Mars colony with realistic scientific detail and societal challenges.
  • Colonists face conflicts rooted in biological changes and social inequality shaped over generations.
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