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When the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Plant disaster struck, the villages surrounding the Nuclear Plant were quickly abandoned by people. Their pets, on the other hand, were forced to stay.
Howling dogs tried to follow their owners, they even tried boarding buses, but soldiers kicked them off. Still, the dogs ran after the buses transporting their owners to safety. There was no mercy. Soviet troops were sent to shoot the animals but some survived and their descendants still populate the polluted Exclusion Zone.
In this touching and hauntingly relevant documentary-style graphic novel, Johanna Aulén recounts the events of the nuclear disaster and its devastating impact on the environment and the canine inhabitants left behind.
Nominated for the Graphic Novel Finlandia Prize 2023
Finnish Edition
Full English translation in layout
Reviews
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‘The documentary-style graphic novel gives an account of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster and the dogs that live there, spanning from the fateful event in 1986 to present day.’ The selection committee has commended Aulén’s work for ‘deep understanding of life’, and for ‘her storytelling through realistic and minimalistic illustrations that draw the reader in as an eyewitness’ – The selection committee the Graphic Novel Finlandia Prize
‘Aulén’s graphic novel skilfully builds an overview of the causes disasaster and its consequences, particularly on the animals.’ – Helsingin Sanomat newspaper
