On Wednesday, 22 May, Canadian author and biographer Rosemary Sullivan is guest of honor at B-Unlimited. Michel Krielaars, Russia expert and editor of the NRC’s books section, will be engaging her in conversation about Stalin’s Daughter, her biography of the merciless dictator’s offspring.

Rosemary Sullivan is an award-winning poet and biographer. Her biography Stalin’s Daughter has been published in 23 countries, receiving great acclaim and several awards. She has written 14 books, among them the international bestseller Villa Air-Bel: World War II, Escape, and a House in Marseille.

Stalin’s daughter (Svetlana Alliluyeva, later known as Lana Peters) was born in 1926. She spent her childhood between the walls of the Kremlin. Though the privilege of the Communist Party protected her from Russia’s deadly famine and purges, she did not escape tragedy, losing everyone she held dear, including her mother, two brothers, aunts, uncles, and a lover. After Stalin’s death in 1953, Svetlana fled her father’s legacy and sought refuge in the United States, leaving her two children behind. She would never be able to escape her heritage, and her life was characterized by countless moves and broken relationships. She eventually died in poverty in Spring Green, Wisconsin.

For her biography, Sullivan acquired access to the archives of the KGB, CIA, and the Soviet government, working closely with Svetlana’s daughter as well. This event is conducted in English.

Event curated by Ilonka Reintjens (Writers Unlimited)
Books for sale courtesy of De Vries Van Stockum Books