"Why don't you come to Ukraine and read it in some shelter, hiding from Russian missiles?": Reese Witherspoon faces backlash online as she tries to promote a book on Russian culture

Actress Reese Witherspoon has faced backlash online as she tried to promote a novel that popularizes Russian culture. The 48-year-old celebrity has her own book club, where she recommended readers to enjoy City Of Night Birds: A Novel by Korean-born American writer Juhea Kim, who does not hide her love for Russia.

On the organization's Instagram page, the actress called the book a "December pick". This outraged netizens as while Ukraine is suffering from the daily terrorist attacks, she tries to promote Russian ballet.

What City Of Night Birds: A Novel is about

Juhea Kim's novel tells the story of a Russian ballerina, Natalia, who had to give up her career for a long period of time after a serious accident. To recover faster, she took a lot of medication. However, because of her longing for the big stage, she became addicted to alcohol. After rehabilitation, the ballerina returns to St. Petersburg, where she faces a choice: to take a chance and regain her former success or to give up her dancing career for good.

"This story left me thinking about the ways we overcome setbacks and redefine what truly matters," Reese Witherspoon said while listening to the audiobook.

What we know about its author

Juhea Kim was born in Korea but grew up in Portland (USA) and moved to London as an adult. The author probably chose the theme of ballet in the novel for a reason, as her life was also connected with this type of performing art. It is not surprising that it is Russian culture that became the highlight too, as the writer speaks frankly about her admiration for the aggressor country. For one of her novels, the author received a Russian literary award and even visited the country right during the big war. Moreover, she was spotted in the Tolstoy House once, where she called that day "one of the happiest of her life." In addition, Juhea Kim donates part of the money earned from her online magazine of ecological literature to the Russian Amur Leopard Conservation Fund.

Netizens' reaction

When a video of Reese Witherspoon promoting a book about Russian culture appeared online, Ukrainians could not contain their negative emotions.

"Today Russia has launched about 100 missiles at Ukraine and you are praising a book about Russian culture?"

"Wow, a book about Russian culture. How 'interesting'! Russian culture is murder, death, torture, terror. Do you know that? Do you care?"

"Why don't you and your book club come to Ukraine and read this 'book' in some shelter, hiding from Russian missiles? It would add to the Russian aesthetics you are so eager to explore."

"Come to Ukraine and read it in the cities occupied by Russia. Run under missiles and drones to cover."

"My son-in-law was killed by Russians right on Christmas last year because he wanted his family to be alive and safe. And the fact that you are promoting this book means that you tolerate terrorism and violence in all possible forms and manifestations."

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!