Writers Bloc Presents Evan Gershkovich and Ben Rhodes

While working as a foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal in 2023, Evan Gershkovich was arrested by Russian authorities and ultimately sentenced to 16 years in Pr*son on false charges of spying. While the U.S. and Western governments condemned the sham conviction and advocated for his release, Evan found himself in Moscow’s notorious Lefortovo Pr*son—a very human pawn in a geopolitical chess match.

The first American journalist to be arrested and convicted for espionage by Russia since the end of the Cold War, Evan’s story made global headlines and would culminate in a massive, multi-country prisoner swap that captivated observers around the world. In his memoir, This Cursed Beautiful Land, Evan brings readers inside his nearly 500 days in Russian prisons and the blockbuster, multi-country prisoner swap that freed him; but he also offers a glimpse inside the perils and contradictions of a country in the midst of autocracy, a misunderstood land and people, marked at once by stunning beauty and a haunting history.

In conversation with Ben Rhodes, who served as President Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications. Ben is the bestselling author of several books, including the recently released All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches. Ben is also the co-host of Crooked Media's sensational podcast, Pod Save the World.

Limited third-party paid parking structure available next door. We recommend rideshares and carpooling. Please allow time to find parking and to leave the parking structure.

Did you know that you can make a fully tax-deductible donation?

As a nonprofit organization, Writers Bloc Presents relies on support from people like you. Help us to remain a strong community as we continue to celebrate literature by authors we love, and explore critical contemporary issues. Please donate here.

No refunds or exchanges on tickets or books. Books must be picked up on the night of the program. Tickets are strictly non-transferable; do not buy tickets from any resale sites or external vendors.