Skidmore Hosting Book Panel for World War II Ukraine Story

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The story of a five-year-old Ukrainian girl separated from her family during World War II will be the subject of a book panel hosted by Skidmore College on April 16.

The nonfiction book “Dominica’s Story: A Life of Courage, Hope, and Love” chronicles the life of Dominica Annese, who was reunited with her family 30 years after the Second World War tore them apart. Now, with Ukraine once again at war, the story is especially relevant.

“My sisters and I wanted to write and publish my mom’s story because it’s pretty inspiring,” said Francine Annese Apy, one of Dominica’s daughters. “This story could be a story of hope and inspiration to Ukrainian people and to people in general because here we are, literally history repeating history again of what my mom experienced as a 5-year-old little girl.”

Apy wrote the forward and epilogue for the book, which was co-authored by Dominica, Skidmore senior Kaitlin McQuade, and Skidmore Political Science Professor Kate Graney. 

At the event, McQuade and Graney will present Dominica’s story, connecting it to contemporary events in Ukraine. The panel will include a Q&A, book sale, and reception featuring Ukrainian cookies. The Annese family will donate all proceeds from book sales to the nonprofit Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E). The book is also for sale on Amazon. 

“The Personal Cost of War in Ukraine Through a Young Girl’s Eyes: Then and Now” will take place on Tuesday, April 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Ladd Hall room 307.