This podcast features a review of the first book in a trilogy by Canadian author Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch titled Kidnapped from Ukraine. The trilogy brings to light the horrific human impact of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. His first invasion occurred in 2014 when he took Crimea and portions of Eastern Ukraine.
Skrypuch's trilogy portrays the lived experience of Russia’s assault on Mariupol through the story of 12‑year‑old twins Rada and Dariia Popkova, and how this invasion turned their lives upside down when the first bombs fell on Mariupol.
In her review, Myra Junyk discusses the book’s portrayal of the collapse of civilian life, the separation of families, and the documented abduction and “re‑education” of Ukrainian children in russian filtration camps
Kidnapped from Ukraine: Under Attack is the first in the series and tells the story of Dariia and her mother, who are out shopping when their apartment is bombed. In the ensuing chaos, they are separated from Rada and the twins' father, and Dariia ends up abducted and \"adopted\" by a russian family.
Grounded in real events and supported by an Author’s Note and historical Q&A, the novel offers younger and adult readers a clear, accessible account of the real-life difficulties and dangers of civilians caught up in this unprovoked war.
Reviewed by Myra Junyk for Nash Holos Ukrainian Roots Radio.
Full transcript here.
Book here.
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