Canadian-Ukrainian author Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch launched her latest book, Under Attack, at Riverside Bookshelf in Paris, Ontario, on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
The event marked the first public appearance for the Brantford-based author since the release of her new novel, which is the inaugural installment in her Kidnapped from Ukraine series.
Set in Mariupol during the early days of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Under Attack follows the harrowing journey of a family separated by war. The story, grounded in historical accuracy, focuses on a 12-year-old girl and her mother who are torn apart after being forced through Russian filtration camps and re-education facilities. Skrypuch, known for her powerful depictions of historical injustices, said the book aims to bring attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine and its global implications.
“The war in Ukraine is still happening. People are dying, and it affects all of us. Russia is a neighbor of Canada, too, and this war has broader consequences,” said Skrypuch in an interview with BrantBlog during the book launch event.
Riverside Bookshelf, an independent bookstore that opened in 2024, hosted the launch as part of its mission to support Canadian authors and spotlight books that address significant global issues. Alison Fishburn, the store’s owner, expressed her excitement about hosting Skrypuch.
“Marsha has written more than 24 books, many of which shed light on critical historical and current events,” said Fishburn. “Having her here for our first major event is incredibly meaningful—not just because of the relevance of her writing but because she’s local to Brantford and deeply connected to our community.”
The event also coincided with the launch of the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) Foundation’s sixth annual Read4BCHS campaign, which encourages community-wide reading and fundraising in support of pediatric and infant care at Brantford General Hospital.
Haidee Scheers, BCHS Foundation’s Development Coordinator for Special Events, attended the event to raise awareness about the campaign.
“We’re inviting individuals, families, and schools to participate in Read4BCHS this February,” said Scheers. “The funds raised will directly benefit the youngest patients in our region, supporting pediatric care at the hospital.”
Skrypuch highlighted the importance of pairing her book launch with the BCHS initiative, noting the natural connection between her passion for empowering young readers and the hospital’s mission to support children.
“Independent bookstores like Riverside and community campaigns like Read4BCHS are essential,” she said. “They foster connection, discovery, and meaningful impact—whether through reading or through direct support of children in need.”
Under Attack is the latest addition to Skrypuch’s repertoire of works that spotlight underrepresented stories, particularly those from Ukrainian history. Her past works, such as Enough and Winterkill, have earned critical acclaim for their focus on the Holodomor and other historical tragedies. However, tackling such sensitive topics has also made her a target. In 2022, Skrypuch was banned from Russia following the release of Winterkill.
The second and third books in the Kidnapped from Ukraine series, Standoff and Still Alive, are scheduled for release in October 2025 and January 2026, respectively.
As the event drew to a close, Skrypuch emphasized the importance of supporting independent bookstores like Riverside Bookshelf and participating in community initiatives such as Read4BCHS.
“This bookstore may be small, but it’s powerful,” she said. “Independent bookstores support authors, just as authors should support bookstores. And events like Read4BCHS show how a community can come together to make a difference. That’s what makes this day so meaningful.”
The Read4BCHS campaign runs from February 4 to 26, with participants logging their reading hours and raising funds for pediatric and infant care at Brantford General Hospital. Prizes include an Apple iPad for top fundraisers and an Amazon Kindle for the top reader.
Riverside Bookshelf, meanwhile, remains committed to its mission of promoting Canadian authors and publishers, offering Brant County readers a space to discover new stories that inspire thought and conversation.
