by Ms. Irene Zabytko

"The Sky Unwashed" is Ms. Zabytko's first published novel, which is based on a true occurrence. The setting is a village, Starylis, situated near the nuclear plant at Chornobyl. The story is about the people of the village, how the explosion at the plant in 1986 changed their lives, and the surprising aftermath of this tragedy. It is a story of great sadness and despair, as well as a story of great courage, determination, and hope.

Various reviews by readers have said,
(1) " The strength of the novel lies in Zabytko's ability to capture the reality of everyday life, the horror of the fallout from a nuclear accident, and the power of the human spirit to survive";
(2) "The best pages detail Marusia's stubborn return to Starylis (now a "dead zone"), where she replants her garden, rings the bells in an abandoned church, and laboriously bonds with the handful of neighbors who gradually return "home" to die";
(3) "'The Sky Unwashed' tells its harrowing story with quiet compassion (even the selfish Zosia proves capable of both deceny and heroism) and moving empathy. Marusia is a wonderfully realized character, and the images of devastation with which she stoically grapples and eventually makes her peace are quite literally unforgettable";
(4) This book awakens anew a poignant awareness that all of the day's headlines have at their core the real-life pathos of individual experience. Irene Zabytko has indeed written a remarkable story. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book in your hands as soon as possible";
(5) "I couldn't put this book down. The characters are faxcinating---especially the tenacious old women who have seen so much hardship their whole lives. Their strength shines through, as they treat the radiation poisoning as just another hurdle in their lives which must be overcome";
(6) "This book is what I hope is a beginning to uncover to non-Ukrainians the complex society of Ukraine--one that is saturated with ancient traditions and torn by Soviet oppression";
(7) "A Cat that becomes a timepiece for death, a woman who climbs the stairs of her Church to ring bells that she has no right to hope anyone will hear. A beautiful story, if a Requiem for a small town named Starylis and it's people can be so called";
(8) " Also, Zabytko has done something that the Ukrainian-American community should have done years ago: introduce the Ukrainian culture, mindset, and spirit to non-Ukrainians."

"The sky is unwashed, and the waves are sleepy.
And beyone the shore, far, far away,
The reeds as though drunk,
Sway without wind, Merciful Lord!
How much longer do I have
In this open prison,
This useless sea,
This tedious world"...........

This poem, which opens the book, sets the tone and the mood of Ms. Zabytko's novel.

Ms. Zabytko's book is enjoying considerable success. Its appearance in the early part of 2000 was met with impressive reviews. Publishers Weekly said the story was "poignant" and "quietly insightful." The Denver Post critic called it a "first novel of surprising power and simplicity, " and a "Unique reading experience." The New England Booksellers Association (NEBA) and Barnes and Noble chose to promote "The Sky Unwashed" in their discovery selection category. The book is published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. The book lists for $ 22.05 and sells for $ 18.36 on www.Amazon.com.

Born and raised in Chicago, Irene Zabytko is a bilingual, first generation Ukrainian --American who has traveled to Ukraine many times to teach English as a second language and to visit friends and family who live in near Chernobyl. She received her BA and MFA degrees from Vermont College and now lives and works as a freelance writer in Florida.