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

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The story is certainly informative – Erin Litteken does an admirable job bringing attention to Stalin's horrific hunger purges – but the romance that develops between Katya and her childhood friend ended up overpowering the story. The romance eventually expands into a love triangle, which felt incredibly unnecessary. The heavy emphasis on the romance detracts from the dark and harrowing historical setting. In a Nutshell: A historical timeline that is almost painful to read because of its brutal depiction of the realities of Ukrainian life under Stalin’s collectivization scheme. The contemporary timeline is decent but pales in comparison. Still, I would count this as a must-read book. Some people managed to escape into her village, and they told stories about whole villages in eastern and central Ukraine being wiped out. People were deported by cattle cars to Siberia, like we read about in your Bobby’s journal, or forced to starve in their own homes after Stalin exported all of the food. Children were left at train stations by their parents in hopes someone would take pity on them and bring them home and feed them, but they rarely did. People died in the streets waiting for a crust of bread. 71% of my Kindle reading

Litteken is a careful researcher, and she fleshes out this history in her detailed author’s note following the novel. She also mentions that she was originally motivated to write the story of how her great-grandmother and her family fled their Ukrainian village during World War II, but then learned of the Holodomor and knew that this story had to come first. It’s astonishing that the same family had to deal with so much misery, and I imagine Litteken’s next book will be just as compelling. Strong people. Absolutely melded like metal by pure persecution and adversity. None of the characters in this book, not a one- came alive to me either. All the steel and crazy vivaciousness (what else can they do to us moxie) is missing. They are almost monotonous instead. So this book being entwined with a romance? And also the form itself. The dialogue was YA. Telling and telling too. Not showing. And few populations could be farther removed from both of those habits. Not in real life. Or any reality I've seen them live. Nor any I have loved or have seen departed early from the aftermaths. Whether you choose something from this list or try your own option, I hope these food ideas will get your creative juices flowing to host your book club for The Memory Keeper of Kyiv! The Memory Keeper of Kyiv – A novel about Ukraine A few tips on cooking Ukranian Borscht:The Memory Keeper of Kyiv is a meticulously researched novel brilliantly depicting the horrific events of Stalin’s systematic destruction of a country... Reading this story felt all the more poignant in the current climate knowing that the proud people of Ukraine are once again suffering appalling atrocities as they fight to survive at the hands of others determined to ruin them. A captivating, heartfelt debut which was at times achingly painful to read." Please insert a short description of your recipe and why it relates to your novel. Include any information you think readers would enjoy! One of the wonders and delights of travel is that we can arrive anywhere and feel a bond and a welcome. Ukraine reminds us that freedom is very precious and can be taken away with a moment’s notice. As experienced travelers, we see the best and worst in the world. We understand that travel is a privilege and that we must do all we can to support human decency and freedom anywhere in the world. As Ukraine fights for its freedom and sovereignty, an understanding the history of this region can remind us that their liberty and ours is connected.

In 1929 leidt de zestienjarige Katya nog een onbezorgd leven; ze wordt omringd door familie en is verliefd op haar buurjongen. Maar Stalins plan om Oekraïne, de graanschuur van Europa, in te lijven bij het communistische Katya’s guilt is a major theme of the book. What do you think she felt the most guilty for–causing Alina’s death, marrying Alina’s husband, or losing Halya? The common threads of love, hope, resilience and loss are woven through both timelines to produce a reimagined story and an informative read about actual events in history the Russian government denies. There are also elements of the story that felt unnecessary. Erin Litteken decides to tell this story through two different time periods; she alternates between Katya's experiences surviving the Soviet invasion of Ukraine and Katya's grandaughter's life in modern-day America. Katya's granddaughter was rather difficult to like – she was very rude and abrasive at times – and her perspective didn't add much to the story. Susan Bennet Erin Litteken grew up in Momence, Illinois, and now lives in Troy, which is just outside St. Louis.A stunning portrait of Ukraine and its people, of strength, of endurance, of the fight for survival during the forced famine, the Holodomor, but also a tender story of Katya, a grandmother whose hidden history holds the power to guide her granddaughter through the darkness of loss and grief, toward life and a limitless future. A remarkable read not to be missed." 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 neighbours disappear, those who speak out are never seen again and every new day is uncertain. The thing really impressing me was the resilience and strength the characters show through adversity. Has your book club been searching for a novel about Ukraine? Given the devastating current events in Ukraine, you might be wishing to read more about the country and its people. If so, The Memory Keeper of Kyivis the perfect choice.