Chernobyl, Life, and Other Disasters: A Graphic Memoir. Author Talk & Book Presentation with Yevgenia Nayberg

On May 13 at 7:00 PM, we are delighted to host author and illustrator Yevgenia Nayberg for a presentation of her powerful graphic memoir, Chernobyl, Life, and Other Disasters: A Graphic Memoir.

Strong-willed Genya—the childhood nickname of Yevgenia—knows from the age of five that she wants to become an artist. Determined to follow her dream, she sets her sights on a prestigious art school in 1980s Ukraine. But the path is anything but simple: alongside the pressures of Soviet life, Cold War fears, and unspoken discrimination, she must navigate a world where reality is often hidden behind silence and contradiction.

Then comes April 26, 1986—the day of the Chernobyl disaster—an event that will change everything.

Blending personal storytelling with historical insight, this graphic memoir offers a vivid glimpse into life in the late Soviet era, as well as a moving coming-of-age story about resilience, identity, and the pursuit of art. Both poignant and quietly humorous, it speaks to readers across generations.

We invite tweens (10+), teens, and adults to join us for this special evening.

Admission is free with registration. Our space is quite small, so we kindly ask you to register in advance to secure your spot.