THE GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain

Author and narrator Eugene Yelchin dazzles with his memoir of growing up in the USSR during the Cold War. Listeners meet Eugene (Yevgeny), his parents, brother, and grandmother, who live in a tiny apartment and share a kitchen and bathroom with many others. Yelchin delivers his mother's bellowing voice, his grandma's Jewish witticisms, and young Yevgeny's own apparent lack of talents likely to ensure a comfortable future, along with his innocence and humor. Atmospheric conversations reveal small personal pleasures, including his mother's love of ballet and Mikhail Baryshnikov; his Communist dad's sentimental poetry; and Yevgeny's own pictures, which he draws under the dining table. Yevgeny grows up fast when the family faces anti-Jewish sentiment. However, his artistic talent suggests a hopeful future in this bittersweet listen. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2022]