You Will Feel It in The Price of Bread: A Love Letter to Ukraine

A moving personal memoir that takes us from Katya's idyllic childhood to the impact of Putin's invasion on her and her family, featuring Babushka, her favorite person on earth, who has turned her hand to making Molotov cocktails in preparation for an attack on her apartment block.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Muswell Press

A poignant and personal memoir that spans from Katya's idyllic childhood in Ukraine, filled with holidays in Crimea and carefree days working the land at the Dacha, to the devastating impact of Putin's invasion and its profound effects on her, her friends, and her family. The story unfolds through the lens of anxiety, fear, and heartache as Katya and her loved ones navigate the treacherous waters of uncertainty and separation.

Amidst the chaos, Katya clings to the hope of reconnecting with her friends and ensuring the safety of her loved ones. She desperately tries to make contact, sending messages and making calls, willing to do anything to bridge the gap and alleviate the fear that grips her heart.

However, the challenges are immense. The lines of communication are often disrupted, and the fear of being caught in the crossfire is ever-present. Katya and her family face the daily threat of invasion, and the uncertainty of what the future holds weighs heavily on their minds.

In the face of such adversity, Katya finds solace in the unwavering support of her grandmother, Babushka. Babushka, a resilient woman who has lived through the hardships of war, is a constant source of strength and comfort for Katya. She learned fortitude at an early age when her own mother was taken by the Germans and she was rescued by a Jewish doctor whose identity was kept secret.

When she is not tending to her vegetable garden or making vats of borsch, Babushka can be found reading the sexy bits from novels out loud to her granddaughter. Her laughter and warmth are a beacon of light in the midst of darkness, reminding Katya of the beauty and resilience of life.

But in this last year, Babushka has taken on a new role—one that reflects the growing fear and uncertainty of her surroundings. She has turned her hand to a recipe of a different type—Molotov cocktails—in preparation for an attack on her apartment block. The knowledge that she is arming herself with a means of defense fills Katya with a mix of fear and admiration.

Combining prose, poetry, collage, maps, and illustrations, this memoir is a truly immersive experience that transports readers to the heart of Ukraine. It offers an authentic portrait of the impact of war, painting a vivid picture of the lives of those caught in the midst of conflict.

Through her words, Katya shares the deep bond she shares with her grandmother, the fear and uncertainty that permeate their lives, and the resilience that keeps them going. Babushka, too, emerges as a remarkable figure, a symbol of strength and courage in the face of adversity.

This memoir is a testament to the human spirit's enduring power and the strength of family bonds. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and the possibility of finding light. As Katya and her family navigate the challenges of war, they are reminded of the importance of cherishing the moments they share and the love that surrounds them.

In the end, this memoir is a celebration of life, a lament for Ukraine, and a testament to the indomitable human spirit. It is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, we can find strength, resilience, and the courage to carry on.

Weight: 122g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781739193041