Kobzar’s Children — Vancouver launch

I just got home from Vancouver at 1am this morning and as I write this, I am still in my nightgown. Is that bad, or what? I have, however, brushed my teeth and had a shower.

I did not have a chance to actually HOLD and see a copy of Kobzar’s Children until Paulette MacQuarrie, one of the contributors, picked me up from the airport. She had the cartons of books in her car but none were opened, so I borrowed her nail file and opened up one of the boxes as we were driving.

What a BEAUTIFUL book. I am biased, but still. The font is open and inviting and the pages are a lush ivory. The cloth cover is chocolate brown with gold leaf and the dust jacket is beautiful. The stories and poems and photos all fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

The Friday event was packed. Every chair was filled. The one on Saturday afternoon was more intimate, but still we sold a whack of books!

It was awesome to have a visit with fellow contributors Paulette MacQuarrie, Danny Evanishen and Stefan Petelycky. I had met Paulette and Danny before, but this was the first time I had met Steve. He is a lovely man. A true gentleman.

We all read excerpts from our stories, but Steve couldn’t read his aloud. I understand: his is about his time as a prisoner at Auschwitz. I read his excerpt for him, and I was nearly in tears.

It was also emotional for me because I had just received an email on a writing listserv from a person who questioned whether the Ukrainian Famine ever happened, and also said that he doubted a Ukrainian would have been a prisoner at Auschwitz. Sigh. I guess that shows why this anthology is so necessary. If you don’t tell your own stories, someone else will tell their version for you.

Author: Marsha

I write historical fiction, mostly from the perspective of young people who are thrust in the midst of war.

14 thoughts on “Kobzar’s Children — Vancouver launch”

  3. Hi Pazhmina,

    What an aggravating situation at your school. There are many people who still don’t know about the Famine and many others who do know, but pretend they don’t. One of the reasons that I was passionate about putting this anthology together was to tell the untold stories — those suppressed and hidden stories that have been brushed under the carpet for too long. And I am pleased that our anthology will make it into schools across the country and in the US also. Our stories, which are all based on real events and have been scrupulously researched, will help others step into the shoes of people in the past. That is the only way to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.

  4. Whoa, Marsha, your post had me scurrying back to a writers’ listserv we both belong to and which I have not been reading of late. How upsetting for you. I am so glad that the launches went well. The book is out and will reach many people – comments on a listserv reach only a few.

    1. Hi Gillian,
      Well, as it turned out, the people on the listserv were very sensible. The general consensus was overwhelming support for me and chastising of the idiot. I just wish I didn’t have to go through all of that.

  5. Marsha:

    I’m glad to hear that you had such a terrific launcgh, and that your messages got out to so many people, especially after what you had to deal with on your list-serv. The truth will be told, and I’m so proud to know that you’re working so hard to make sure that happens.

    Congrats again, my brave and wonderful friend!
    Julie

        1. Hi Julie,

          Not only did good friends jump in, but people I have never met also jumped in. This wasn’t so much about me, but about a vindictive distortion of history.

          1. I think the comments were about the distortion of history, but the fact that he used you and your work as a venue for his distorted view of history is also disturbing. Sounds like the list-serv is a strong community, though – and the efforts of everyone will help make sure the truth is told.

            Julie

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