The memory Keeper of Kyiv

 

The Memory Keeper of Kyiv

In the 1930s, Stalin’s activists marched through the Soviet Union, espousing the greatness of collective farming. It was the first step in creating a man-made famine that, in Ukraine, stole almost 4 million lives. Inspired by the history the world forgot, and the Russian government denies, Erin Litteken reimagines their story.

In 1929, Katya is 16 years old, surrounded by family and in love with the boy next door. When Stalin’s activists arrive in her village, it’s just a few, a little pressure to join the collective. But soon neighbors disappear, those who speak out are never seen again and every new day is uncertain.

Resistance has a price, and as desperate hunger grips the countryside, survival seems more a dream than a possibility. But, even in the darkest times, love beckons.

Seventy years later, a young widow discovers her grandmother’s journal, one that will reveal the long-buried secrets of her family’s haunted past.

This is a story of the resilience of the human spirit, the love that sees us through our darkest hours and the true horror of what happened during the Holodomor.

May we never forget, lest history repeat itself.

 

A share of proceeds will be donated to DEC's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

 

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3MTkVBr

Author Bio – 

Erin Litteken is a debut novelist with a degree in history and a passion for research. At a young age, she was enthralled by stories of her family’s harrowing experiences in Ukraine before, during and after World War II. Her first historical fiction title, drawing on those experiences, will be published by Boldwood in June 2022.  She lives in Illinois, USA with her husband and children.

 

Social Media Links –  

Twitter https://twitter.com/ErinLitteken

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/erinlitteken/

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erin-litteken

My review

I have read many books that relate the horror of war. The memory keeper of Kyiv, however, is one that will stay with me. The story, is of course, more relevant than ever in view of present-day events in Ukraine and 'lest we forget' has never been more apt. What the writer does, however, is take us on a journey that allows the reader to learn more about the reality of Communism and the horror its implementation had on ordinary people. 

The book is cleverly written, starting with a few of Stalin's activists arriving in the village until we see how easily power and greed corrupt until through fear of death and hunger, the villagers succumb to the new totalitarian regime. 

Throughout it all, human nature remains undaunted and love will find a way. The two stories, past and present, give a timely insight into both the good and evil of human nature and the ever-present danger of history repeating itself.

A powerful book that should be on every school curriculum.