The Memory Keeper of Kyiv: The most powerful, important historical novel of 2022

In the 1930s,Stalins activists marched through the Soviet Union, creating a man-made famine that stole almost 4 million lives in Ukraine. Inspired by history, Erin Litteken reimagines their story in her debut novel, "The Memory Keeper of Kyiv." The book follows Katya, a 16-year-old girl, and her family as they navigate the famine, facing desperation, hunger, and resistance. Seventy years later, a young widow discovers her grandmother's journal, revealing the long-buried secrets of her family's haunted past. The novel is a powerful portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit, love, and survival, and a reminder of the true horror of the Holodomor. It has received critical acclaim, winning several awards and being described as "a stunning portrait of Ukraine and its people" and "a remarkable read not to be missed."

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 16 May 2022
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd

In the 1930s, a tumultuous period marked by political upheaval and social unrest, a group of dedicated activists emerged in the Soviet Union under the leadership of Joseph Stalin. Their mission was to promote the virtues of collective farming, a system that aimed to transform the agricultural landscape and improve the lives of the Soviet people. However, their efforts would have far-reaching consequences, leading to a devastating man-made famine that would claim the lives of nearly four million Ukrainians.

Inspired by the history that has been forgotten or denied by the Russian government, author Erin Litteken reimagines the story of these activists and the people they affected. Set in the 1930s, the novel follows the life of Katya, a young woman living in a small village in Ukraine. When the activists arrive in her village, they exert pressure on the local community to join the collective farming movement. At first, Katya is hesitant, but as the situation worsens and her neighbors disappear, she realizes that she must choose between resistance and survival.

Resistance has a price, and as the famine takes hold, Katya and her family face desperate hunger and the constant threat of persecution. However, even in the darkest of times, love finds a way to bloom. Katya falls in love with the boy next door, a young man who shares her dreams and her determination to survive. Together, they navigate the challenges of the famine, facing hunger, fear, and the ever-present danger of the secret police.

Seventy years later, a young widow discovers her grandmother's journal, one that holds the long-buried secrets of her family's haunted past. The journal reveals the tragic story of Katya's ancestors, who were forced to abandon their land and their homes during the collectivization process. It also sheds light on the brutalities of the famine, the political machinations that led to its occurrence, and the efforts of those who fought to expose the truth.

Through the lens of Katya's story, "The Hunger" offers a powerful and poignant portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love. It is a story that reminds us of the importance of remembering our past and learning from our mistakes to prevent history from repeating itself. The novel also raises important questions about the role of governments, the media, and the international community in addressing humanitarian crises and promoting human rights.

"The Hunger" has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and its ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought. It has been awarded the She Reads Best Historical Fiction of 2022 Award and the Women's Fiction Writers Association Star Award. The author's sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the characters and the historical context has earned her a devoted following, and many readers have praised the novel for its ability to bring the past to life and inspire empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, "The Hunger" is a stunning portrait of a forgotten chapter of history, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to overcome even the most dire circumstances. It is a novel that deserves to be read by everyone, especially in the current political climate, as it serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering our past and working towards a better future.

Weight: 700g
Dimension: 158 x 233 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804157602
Edition number: Large type / large print ed