My Different Lives: Through the Iron Curtain to Freedom
“I dare to assume that my life journey has all the elements of a classic Russian novel: dark secrets, forbidden love, living dangerously, and fighting for freedom against the totalitarian Soviet regime.”
“There was the suffocating atmosphere of my family’s communal apartment in post-war Kiev, where spying was a daily reality and the mysterious figure of my uncle, enemy of the State and prisoner of the Gulag, dominated my imagination. My uncle eventually became my best friend and a strong influence. I started running away from home when I was 14, befriended a young African-American woman at 16, and spent ten years of my life in an abusive marriage.”
“I survived by desperately nurturing a second life, a secret one, becoming deeply involved in an underground anti-Soviet resistance group and having a love affair with a colleague and co-conspirator. I became a Refusenik, was interrogated by the KGB, escaped my abusive marriage, developed an unconventional friendship with a famous psychoanalyst and writer, survived Chernobyl, looked for escape in Siberia, and finally broke through the Iron Curtain with my daughter, leaving Russia behind forever in 1989.”
“My burning desire to be free guided me through
all the barriers and dangers I had to overcome.”
Download a teaser from the forthcoming book My Different Lives: Through the Iron Curtain to Freedom
Comments about My Different Lives
Leighton Williams from Middletown
July 29, 2020
To Nelly my dear friend,
I congratulate you on your newest project. You are such a hard worker. You have inspired me to keep on, even when times are tough. I appreciate all of your help over the years. Thank you for being a strong and wise anchor during our times working together. All the best with your new book.
I have started my own website that is worth viewing: https://inthefaceofvolunteer.org/about/
Leighton Williams from Middletown
April 21, 2020
Nellie, your story hits a note in my life. An inspiring life that you are so willing to share. I look forward in reading more. All the best with your project. God Bless You!
Wayne Jarrett Jones from Mountain Grove
February 19, 2019
Hello Nellie,
You are a wonderful lady ! I got a lot respect for you ! Wayne
Tom Hough
January 26, 2019 ·
Tom Hough recommends Nellie Barg, Author. While written for adults Nellie Barg’s memoirs should be mandatory reading for 8th graders. They need to go into the indoctrination years with a vaccination of the realities and failures of socialism and an understanding of the history of the inhumanity directed toward Jews. Anti-Semitism and oppression are the traits that make Marxism and Fascism much more alike than different.
Joe Runyan from Huntersville NC
March 15, 2018
Nice page Nellie, I am looking forward to reading your book and hope you will have it out soon. Hope this finds you well and greetings to your daughter. Cheers Joe
Isabella from London
June 6, 2017
Nellie!
Am so proud of you and you are fabulous!! I miss you and stay healthy. Love xoxoxoxo
Wanda Petty from Beacon
April 23, 2017
Oh Nellie You are my hero and good loving friend. I admire you for being so brave and stay strong!!
Meredith Weller from Englewood, Fl.
January 1, 2017
What a brave and interesting woman you are. I look forward to reading more of your story. Thank you for posting.
I would be interested to know what you think of your former home and Putin.
Wanda Petty
December 18, 2016
I am honored to have you as a dear friend. Luv u Nellie Congrats Wanda
Elaine
December 8, 2016
Wow I didn’t know you were such a bright and talented writer . You have so much courage and an interesting life!!
Eldad Keynan
December 8, 2016
There is but one word that sums up my response to your story: admiration. My IDF unit’s slogan was: only those who fight for their freedom – deserve it. You surely deserve yours!