I Wish I Didn't Have to Tell You This
An artist seeks freedom from oppressive Russian authorities in Eugene Yelchin’s graphic memoir I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This.
In 1980, Yelchin, an aspiring artist, is excited to be included in an exhibition of paintings, hidden from the watchful eyes of the KGB. There he meets an American student, Libby, and they began a romantic relationship. Yelchin’s friend, meanwhile, is killed by the KGB.
Libby agrees to marry Yelchin, but their application is delayed. She returns to the US; he accepts a design position in Siberia. While there, his health is affected by a nearby nuclear plant, and he is forced to kowtow to his Soviet superiors. After he angers his overseers, he is committed to a mental institution. In 1982, he is released and reunited with Libby, returned to Leningrad. They marry, but Yelchin is unable to escape Russia until his mother steps in and calls on a favor.
The achromatic art style and occasional use of photographic images of Leonid Brezhnev create a tense, claustrophobic mood—fitting for a story in which KGB forces lurk around every corner. As his image of Russia as a homeland fades and is replaced by that of an oppressor, Yelchin experiences heartbreak. He and Libby are fleshed out via the intrigue they face, including decisions that carry uncertainty and great risk. Secondary characters, including Yelchin’s mother and grandmother, show great complexity and the capacity to change.
I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This is a gripping graphic memoir about an escape from Soviet Russia.
Reviewed by
Peter Dabbene
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
