Breakdown of the Nuclear Family

Tragic events affecting humans on a grand scale have occurred countless times throughout history. Writers devote themselves to each incident in order to produce written summaries of their versions of the story; it is rare that readers have the opportunity to read firsthand accounts of what happened. In "Voices From Chernobyl," Svetlana Alexievich interviews victims who recount their experiences of the explosion of the Cher-nobyl nuclear reactor and its consequences to their health and livelihood.

Known as the worst nuclear accident in history, the meltdown at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant occurred in April of 1986, when Russia and other countries were still joined as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Only thirty plant workers died as a result of the accident, which led people to believe that, once the fires were controlled, life would go on as normal.

Unfortunately, no one anticipated just how deadly the situation would get. Over time, the radiation led to countless health problems that plagued people across the USSR. Children were born with missing limbs; young and old alike developed tumors due to constant exposure to radiation within the air and surrounding environment. Everything registered as "hot"-highly radioactive-so families were evacuated and forbidden to take any possessions.

"Voices From Chernobyl" is interesting primarily because each page features a story from someone who survived Chernobyl, and every person tells a different story. Women who lost husbands and elderly couples who couldn't bear to leave their homes are only a few of the "Chernobylites" who speak in Alexevich's text, which also features interviews with Communist leaders.

What makes the book particularly interesting is the fact that it was written in Russian by the author and translated into English. While it is said that things are always lost in translation, the despair and heartbreak faced by Chernobylites come through, regardless of the language in which their words appear. Alexevich's questions are thought-provoking and the answers she receives are candid and tearful, making the book even more heartbreaking to read.

One astounding aspect revealed in the interviews is the lack of knowledge regarding radiation. Conflicting opinions were the norm; a soldier who flew over the reactor during missions tried to get more information: "I talked to some scientists. One told me, ‘I could lick your helicopter with my tongue and nothing would happen to me.' Another said, ‘You're flying without protection ... Big mistake!'" As a result, as another soldier put it, "We had no idea-what's dangerous and what's not, what should we watch out for ... No one knew."

Even more unbelievable is the subsequent coverup produced by Communist Party bosses, who did everything to prevent panic in the USSR. Books about radiation, as well as about Hiroshima and Nagasaki were removed from library shelves. People bought vodka because they were told it could eliminate radiation. In their interviews, many victims blame the government for their illness; some suggest that the explosion was a conspiracy created by Party leaders in order to further control over their constituents.

Regardless of what caused the explosion two decades ago, the end results are truly devastating and have impacted many people. "Voices From Chernobyl" is powerful because it does not gloss over what happened; each person discusses her story in detail, including the debilitating illnesses and violent deaths faced by many of their relatives and friends. While the events of April 1986 cannot be changed, books like this provide an opportunity for readers to understand Chernobyl and what the future may hold for those who survived it.

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