Internment & Kidnapped at Bloor West

I did two presentations yesterday at the Bloor West Ukrainian Festival yesterday. The first was with Ryan Boyko for his podcast series on WWI internment in Canada.

I got to listen to James Motluk’s interview as it was scheduled right before mine.

James is a documentary filmmaker, and his documentary, Jajo’s Secret, uncovering his own grandfather’s internment is stunning.

Borys Sydoruk, James Motluk, me, Ryan Boyko

I also got to meet up with my internment buddy, Borys Sydoruk, who has been in the forefront of internment recognition. During my interview, I spoke about my grandfather’s internment, and how that inspired three of my books.

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Geoffrey Bilson winner
prisoners

My second presentation was about my Kidnapped from Ukraine trilogy and how these novels can create empathy and understanding about Russia’s war on Ukraine in a way that other media cannot. Thank you, Borys, for taking these photos of this talk!

Marianne Fedunkiw, who also writes on Ukrainian topics, came out to listen. Thanks for the pic, Marianne!

Author: Marsha

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