The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine

Thirteen-year-old Matthew discovers a family secret through a photo in his great-grandmother's belongings, revealing the Holodomor - the horrific famine that killed millions of Ukrainians.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Thirteen-year-old Matthew is in a state of utter misery. His journalist father is stranded overseas, and his mother has taken the drastic decision to move his great-grandmother in with them to weather the pandemic, further exacerbating his stress and sense of isolation. However, when Matthew stumbles upon a photo in his great-grandmother's belongings, he uncovers a clue to a hidden chapter of her past, one that holds the key to a life-shattering family secret.

The novel by Katherine Marsh unfolds in alternating timelines, seamlessly bridging the present day to the 1930s and the United States to the Soviet Union. Through these interconnected narratives, Marsh sheds light on a dark period of history, the Holodomor, a horrific famine that claimed the lives of millions of Ukrainians.

Matthew's discovery sets him on a quest to unravel the mysteries of his great-grandmother's past, leading him to confront the painful truth about her family and the sacrifices they made in the face of unimaginable adversity. The novel explores themes of resilience, survival, and the enduring power of love and family.

As Matthew delves deeper into the past, he encounters characters who lived through the Holodomor, each with their own unique story and perspective. Through their experiences, Matthew gains a deeper understanding of the human cost of political oppression and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and communities.

The novel also sheds light on the complexities of historical memory and the challenges of confronting the past. Matthew must navigate the treacherous waters of family secrets, betrayal, and forgiveness as he tries to piece together the truth about his great-grandmother's past and understand the role that his family played in the events of that time.

Katherine Marsh's novel is a powerful and poignant exploration of a forgotten chapter of history, offering a timely reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past. Through Matthew's journey, readers are invited to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and family in the face of adversity.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 208 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250313607