For the City Times

Wisconsin author Donna Urbikas will be holding a presentation of her new memoir, My Sister’s Mother, followed by a Q&A session and book signing at the Portage County Public Library.

(Contributed)

Urbikas grew up in the Midwest during the golden years of the American century. But her Polish-born mother and half-sister had endured dehumanizing conditions during World War II, as slave laborers in Siberia.

Described as “essential reading for all who want to understand the nature of the Soviet Gulag system and the problems faced by its former inmates in adapting to a normal life” by the chief historian of the Museum of Polish Jews in Warsaw, the memoir depicts Urbikas’ story of finally understanding the damaged mother who had saved her sister.

Urbikas will be at the Portage Co. Library at 10 AM on July 9 in the Pinery Room to present her latest novel and hold a Q&A session regarding her experiences. There is no cost for admission, and the event is open to all members of the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

For more information, or to schedule your own author event, contact Alison Wirth, technical services librarian, by phone at (715) 346-1603 or by email at [email protected]