Book details
The Genius Under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
Description
With a masterful mix of comic timing and disarming poignancy, Newbery Honoree Eugene Yelchin offers a memoir of growing up in Cold War Russia.Drama, family secrets, and a KGB spy in his own kitchen! How will Yevgeny ever fulfill his parents' dream that he become a national hero when he doesn't even have his own room? He's not a star athlete or a legendary ballet dancer. In the tiny apartment he shares with his Baryshnikov-obsessed mother, poetry-loving father, continually outraged grandmother, and safely talented brother, all Yevgeny has is his little pencil, the underside of a massive table, and the doodles that could change everything. With equal amounts charm and solemnity, award-winning author and artist Eugene Yelchin recounts in hilarious detail his childhood in Cold War Russia as a young boy desperate to understand his place in his family.
Age
10-13
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
208 pages
Why to read
- Insightful Historical Perspective: The book provides a unique and personal glimpse into life behind the Iron Curtain, offering readers an opportunity to understand the complexities and challenges of growing up in the Soviet Union during the Cold War era.
- Artistic and Emotional Depth: Written by Eugene Yelchin, an accomplished artist and writer, the narrative is enriched with evocative illustrations and a heartfelt storytelling style that captures the emotional journey of a young boy pursuing his passion for art in a repressive society.
- Cultural and Educational Value: Readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical context of the time, making the book an excellent educational tool for those interested in Soviet history, censorship, and the power of creativity under restrictive regimes.
- Inspiration and Resilience: The protagonist's determination to overcome obstacles and follow his dreams, despite the limitations imposed by the government, serves as an inspiring testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of art.