The Memory Keeper of Kyiv The most powerful, important historical novel of 2022 by Erin Litteken

 

This is an extremely powerful and moving story but incredibly harrowing, although heartwarming at the end.

The story involves Cassie, a young widow, and her grandmother Katya. When the book begins, Cassie is still grieving for her husband and her little daughter doesn't speak. The house is in a mess. Cassie's mother persuades her to live with her grandmother, Bobby. It's difficult there, though, because Cassie discovers that Bobby is hiding food and she is also asking Alina to 'forgive her'. Cassie thinks that Bobby's journal might help her discover what's wrong, but she can't read Ukrainian. Perhaps,a neighbour Nick can help?

Katya has lived through great ordeals. She is happily married when Stalin's men come to take everything away from the 'kulaks' and start collectivisation, a process which leads to terrible famine, millions of deaths, and destruction. Katya has to cope with dreadful sorrows. The truth about the Ukrainian famine is still not well-known, so it is good that people are becoming more aware of it, and this novel will help to do that.

This is certainly a memorable and resonant novel, especially when poor Ukraine is enduring such dark and oppressive times with this dreadful war. 

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

EDITION      Ebook

ISBN             9781804157572

PRICE          $3.99 (USD)