Set in Kyiv in the 1930s and 2004 this timeslip The Memory Keeper of Kyiv is a meticulously researched novel brilliantly depicting the horrific events of Stalin’s systematic destruction of a country whose people managed to dig deep enough to find the strength, determination and heart to survive his crushing starvation and cruelty imposed upon them.
Katya is 16 when Stalin’s followers begin to enforce his changes on their world. Together with her parents and sister, she finds a way to continue as best she can each day. She falls in love with the boy next door, her sister is in love with his brother and their world should be a happy one, but Stalin has other ideas for the people of Ukraine and so their nightmare begins.
In 2004 Cassie and her traumatised daughter Birdie move to help take care of her fragile grandmother Bobby who has begun to behave oddly, hiding food in strange places and saying strange things that trouble those who love her. When Cassie comes across her grandmother’s journal she asks a friend to translate the notes for her and slowly learns of the heart-breaking past her grandmother fought to survive.
I struggled to put my emotions into words trying to describe this story of unimaginable loss, heartache and shocking cruelty. 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.

With all that is going on in the world this is a must read for historical fiction fans. A heartbreaking, gripping family saga which begins in 1929 in a small village in the Ukraine. This is just prior to Stalin’s invasion and takes us through the horrendous period of the Holodomor when millions of Ukrainians were starved to death.
Katya is a young teenager living with her sister Alina and parents in a happy self sufficient life in a small farming village. Life is good and the young sisters are happy and in love with brothers from a farm nearby. Stalins communist plans for farming collectives will change their lives forever.
Katya keeps a journal of the horrors that fall upon the family and village so the period of time will not be forgotten.
In 2004 Bobby (Katya) is dying and suffering from bouts of memory from her life in Ukraine. Her recently widowed granddaughter Cassie and great granddaughter Birdie move in to help Bobby after she has a fall.
The book chapters alternate between Katya’s life in Ukraine and Cassie’s own life. Cassie is a writer and to help her grandmothers confused state of mind she is trying to get her to open up about her past. The journal from Katya’s early life is found and the horrors of life under Stalin is revealed.
I couldn’t put the book down despite the horrors and sadness that occurred to Katya, her family and the people of Ukraine .
Such an important story to be told and so sad that history seems to repeating itself.

An amazing novel… 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 neighbors disappear, those who speak out are never seen again and every new day is uncertain. This was just the most beautiful book ,from it's gorgeous cover to the immersive storyline. I haven't read anything quite as engaging as this in recent years!

This book destroyed me. And trying to find the words for this review is hard. This book is SUCH an important book, especially now.

This book is a well-researched historical fiction, which are my favourite type of historical fiction books. It was also about something I had no prior knowledge of, the Holodomor, or the man-made famine in Ukraine, instigated by the soviets.

This book has two timelines, one set during the Holodomor, following Katya, and one set in the present day, following Cassie, Katya's granddaughter.

The historical setting was incredible. The struggles were horrifying and difficult to read about. Focusing on how one family (or two, I guess) worked really well in my opinion, because it combined the mundane, with the awful. And the mundane in that time is far from the mundane we have now, and pretty awful in its own right. But having the main characters struggle so much, and repeatedly finding out that things are even worse was tough.

I have read books about wars before. I learned a lot about world war II and the holocaust in school, and have read books about that setting too. They are always infuriating. I absolutely hate the injustice, and they make me feel hopeless. This book hit me even harder. Because while reading about wars that are over is important and hard, Ukraine is in a similar situation RIGHT NOW. There is a very big change this is happening or going to happen again. And there's nothing I can do to stop that, because I'm just one girl, with no power and that's so frustrating and hard. I don't want this to happen again. I don't want more people to suffer like this. I don't want the descendants of the survivors have to go through the same thing again. And that's why this book hit me harder than other books I've read about similar, but ultimately completely in the past, situations.

It's also frustrating to me that, despite having learned about European history since elementary school, and having had many classes about world war II, and things like the Greeks and the Romans, I never learned about the things that happened in Ukraine. All we learned was western European history. And I wish I had learned more. And I will try and research more. The author recommended some books and I will try to find those. And they will probably upset me. But it is important to know. To learn.

The modern day chapters were less heavy, and I was glad for that. They're far from happy, with Cassie having lost her husband, her daughter refusing to speak since that happened, and her moving in with her grandmother who's having flashbacks to her past, a past she never spoken about. Through her grandmother, Katya, and her journals, Cassie starts learning about the things that happened to her grandma. This also helps her come to term with her own losses.

The chapters are always past-present-past-present etc. In the present day chapters, not much is mentioned of the journal itself, because we've already read that in the past chapters. The reader is slightly ahead of Cassie, which makes things very obvious for us, but not for her. Which brings me to the biggest flaw in this book, in my opinion: all "reveals" in the present day and most of the things that are not directly related to the Holodomor were very predictable. This isn't just because of the present day chapters, the past chapters have so much foreshadowing most of the family plotlines were very obvious. But for me, the family plotlines were just a tool to bring these horrors to life, and as that it worked really well.

The present day chapters weren't as impactful as the past chapters, and on the one hand I was happy to have a happier pause between the heavy stuff, on the other hand, they sometimes dragged a little.

These two points caused me to hesitate to rate this book, as I was completely stuck between 4 and 5 stars. Maybe 4,5? I wondered. In the end, this book made me feel so many things. Rage. Horror. Sadness. Grief. And when I read the final chapters I cried, which was what pushed me over the edge and made me give this 5 stars. Books don't often make me cry.

This book is such an important book and I hope many many people read this, as it's a solid introduction to the horrors that happened in Ukraine, and might be happening now, or might start to happen again soon. That scares me. And if more people are aware, maybe, just maybe, we could stop that, or prevent that.

This novel is so in-touch with the times and heart-wrenching, Beautifully written and will make you empathize even more with the current situation.

It is impossible to review this book without calling to mind the current crisis/war in the Ukraine. The author began writing this book before the current attacks began, but the timing is impeccable. Not only did she use her own family story to inform her writing, she relied heavily on primary sources and nonfictional accounts of events portrayed in her novel. We need this story NOW.

As the plot unfolds, we learn about the Holodomor of the 1930s. Katya is a teenager and living with her loving family, who farm the fertile lands of Ukraine. Just when her life is about to begin with her new husband, Russian forces invade and demand that Ukranian citizens join the "collective" or risk being executed. What follows are the harsh realities of living in these conditions; dead bodies in the streets (an estimated 12% of Ukraine's population perished) and forced starvation, to name a few. Fast forward to 2004, where Cassie (granddaughter of Katya) and her little daughter Birdie move in with Katya ("Bobby") to help care for her. As the story progresses, Cassie learns the truth about her grandmother with the help of hunky neighbor Nick, who translates Bobby's private journal into English.

Although I've read many historical fiction books with this same formula/structure, and although most of the story was predictable, I think this was a very important read on many levels. This is a clear example of history repeating itself. While the characters are fictional, the author vividly brought to life the horrors experienced by Ukranians during the Holodomor, which were very real. It's disconcerting to me that in all my years of schooling, I never learned about any of this. News media disinformation is nothing new.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about a more accurate depiction of this horrific period in history. The author provides many nonfiction sources

I was really looking forward to reading this. Unfortunately after enjoying the first 5 or 6 chapters, I couldn't bring myself to finish it. It was all too familiar with what is going on in Ukraine right now, and although I wanted to carry on and finish because of the history and history now repeating itself and the resemblances, It was heartbreaking. Xx

Definitely an interesting read! Two timelines (1919-1939; 2004), with a compelling historical storyline. However, I felt the 2004 timeline superfluous as it was too predictable in its plot and conclusion (a depressed grand daughter looking into her grandmother's past in Ukraine; romance). The earlier timeline gives a good and well researched insight into Ukraine history on the political and social levels. I wish the whole story had concentrated on these times instead of the flow of the novel being interrupted and disturbed by the modern timeline.
I received a digital ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for writing this book Erin, you describe the history of Ukraine and the Holodomor in such a way that I could completely immerse myself in the story of all the characters, from both timelines. I didn't know about the Holodomor, but now I do, and I thank you for that. So well written, a fictional account of the horrors that Ukranians were subjected to, but also an inspirational story of determination and survival. Everyone should read this. It's so very relevant right now.

Oh my goodness this book was so good. I actually cried at the end which is very rare for me.

First of all I always love when reading a book allows me to learn something new. That was absolutely the case here, as I had never heard about the Holodomor before reading this. I am still in a bit of shock at having just now learned about this horrific man made famine that Stalin intentionally caused.

I also really appreciate the love story woven in, and the back and forth with present day. I absolutely needed the present day chapters to take a breath after reading each heartbreaking chapter of Katya's life.

In my opinion this is a must read, especially since I have already talked with so many other people who have never heard of this. Learning about the Holodomor also gives another layer of perspective on the current tragedy taking place in Ukraine today. My heart breaks more for all the Ukrainians have suffered.

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

At a time when Ukrainians are showing how brave and resilient they can be, the story of Katya and her family in 1930s Ukraine seems all the more relevant. An epic journey of survival that I won't easily forget.

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of the book in return for an honest review.

The book is set in Ukraine in the 1930's when Russia invaded the country and forced the residents to become part of the collective, or starve, arrested and taken to the Gulags or worse.

An eye opener as I for one and guess I am not alone have never read anything about the horrific actions during this period and the devasting affects of the Holodomor.

Bobby is in her 90's and dying, she came to America in the 1950's, she has a daughter Anna, a recently widowed grand-daughter Cassie and Great Grandaughter Birdie.

Bobby kept a journal about the horrific events, the affect on her family and loss. After becoming ill, her memory takes her back in time and she 'talks' to her sister Alina seeking foregiveness.

A powerful read, and sad to be reading the book in 2022 when it appears history is repeating itself,

Inspired by the author’s great grandparents’ experiences, she reimagined the story in a dual timeline story that takes place in 1930’s during the era of Holodomor (The Great Famine) and in the millennium year 2000.

This work of historical fiction follows the story of a 16-year-old, Katya, who grew up in a warm and friendly community of a small town in Ukraine. Until her every day becomes uncertain when Stalin’s activists took over their town. On the flip side of the coin, it has took me in the time of around year 2000, where a middle-aged widow named Cassie discovers her grandmother’s journal – it’s a gateway to the revelation of secrets of their family’s haunted past.

This is thoroughly engrossing to read with a well-paced plot. It’s engaging for me to read because I tend to search through the internet to educate myself about the ruinous agricultural policies and savage repression under the ruling of Stalin. In relevance in the current crisis that Ukraine is going through, there are uncomfortable events in the book, but these details provide firm foundation to the historical roots of Ukraine’s resentment from Russia’s forced collectivization of farms. Aside from history-based events, there is also a significant place for romance. The young Katya’s love story is inspiring and exceptional. Thus, this is an important book. The author encourages its readers to learn from history. If we succeed in mastering history and doing it in the right way, we will avoid reliving the tragedies of the past.

Overall, the book is enlightening and worth of the time to read. It celebrates resilience of the human spirit amidst of the darkest hour. It has gained myself further understanding of the Ukrainian people.

I feel honored to receive an e-ARC of this book from @bookandtonic through @netgalley. Thank you for this opportunity to read. This has inspired me to broaden once again my taste in book genre. I’m surely interested to read more historical fiction in the future.

Many have heard of the Holocaust but not many have heard of the Holodomor. I hadn't until I read this Historical Fiction book which sticks very close to the facts of the matter. Holodomor refers to Stalin's 1930's death-by-starvation strategy to subdue and coerce Ukrainians into accepting collectivism, via it's resulting depravations and horrors. Survivors often became bereft of most of their family members and even villages from whence they had come.

Such was the fate of Katya, and Kolya and their dear little Halya.

This is a dual story line of the 1930's characters (Katya) and of present day (2004) descendants in the form of Kayta's daughter Anna, granddaughter Cassie and great-granddaughter Birdie. All had had some intense trauma and heartache from which they valiantly try to cope and overcome. As Kayta has some form of dementia, likely Alzheimer's, she relives the horrors of her younger years' past. Katya never tells of her painful past but does have it written down, in Ukrainian. Cassie, a journalist, is frustrated by this as she cannot read Ukrainian. Yet, there comes a male someone who can translate and Cassie and Anna can then understand Katya better. You may guess that there is romance in the mix as well.

It is always difficult to read stories of lives filled with horrendous abuse and tragedy but as we see how these protagonists hang on to life we can be encouraged and inspired towards the same ends. Tender-hearted readers will likely weep as I did.

The Memory Keeper of Kyiv is such a fitting title, I believe, especially since tragedy and nightmares are happening in the Ukraine again at this time (2022). The author Erin Litteken brings the past to life rather vividly - yes, this is a work of fiction so there's salt and pepper - however, one can Google facts of the 1930's from the Holodomor time and ferret out the facts for oneself, and judge the veracity of Litteken's work.

The author is, in fact, a granddaughter of a Ukrainian refugee from WWII, who still recalls happenings from those times before and during WWII lending further authentication to the narrative. Littekin, adds some of the facts as addenda along with her 'about the author' blurb.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

March 2022

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

A share of proceeds will be donated to DEC's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The author began this story after the Russian invasion of Crimes in 2014 and today it is even more poignant.
Set in two timelines this alternates between 1930’s Ukraine and early 2000’s in Wisconsin USA. In modern day a little girl,Birdie lives with her mother and hasn't spoken in over 14 months. 18 months ago she lost her father in an accident when she was in the car with him. They have moved in with Birdie's grandmother Bobby, who is getting rather forgetful- but remembering things from her past that no one knows about. In the 1930’s, Stalin is trying to make all the farmers pool their resources- together they would be better- an early stance for communism and the villagers are understandably not happy about this. Anyone defying the rules is likely to be shot- people are disappearing in the middle of the night, no one knowing where they are taken to or even if alive. Alina and Katya are sisters and are due to be married to brothers whom they have known since they were very small. Everyone is short of food as more and more things are belonging to the state and many are dying of starvation. There are spies everywhere. some having joined the ranks out of fear for their lives so stealing even potato peelings is risking life. Look up the Holomdor- I wasn't aware of it prior to this book and it's something many more should be aware of in my eyes.
Oh wow. I quickly found myself immersed in this and couldn't help but feel for how the innocent were being treated through a system of communism, fear and dictatorship. Of how they could see piles of rotting potatoes guarded whilst all around there were people dying of starvation. As the author herself says “Ukrainians today are fighting for their country with a strength and tenacity that has captivated the world, but it is impossible to deny that history is repeating itself. It’s horrifying, and we must do better.” Kudos to Erin for writing this. A incredible (but very credible) debut read of history, determination and a little romance and more. Brave, emotional, honest- stunning.

(rest of links on release- 16th May)

The best historical fiction books educate the reader on historical events by immersing the reader in a well researched story with characters that we find ourselves caring about. That this book is being published as Ukraine is facing horrific violence and human tragedy at the hands of the Russian government again, makes this a must read novel. Starting in 1930, the Holodomor caused the death of almost 4 million Ukraines due to Stalin's orders for collectivization of farming and the rationing of food supplies.

Erin Litteken timely debut novel "The Memory Keeper of Kyiv" does just that by telling, in dual time frames, the story of 16 year old Katya and her survival of the Great Famine starting in 1930 and her granddaughter, Cassie, gradually learning her "Bobby's" history she had kept hidden. I read this novel in one day because Katya's story is an example of indomitable spirit, courage and love in the face of unimaginable horror. Cassie's story's weaker but was a relief as she has also known loss that is put in perspective as she learns the hidden history of her grandmother. A compelling story that kept my attention (and caused some tears) right until the end.

The authors notes are enlightening and well worth reading. That the famine was dismissed as anti-Soviet propaganda until the declassification and publication of historical documents in the late 1980's is unbelievable. I want to thank NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book coming in May 2022.

This is an emotional historical fiction novel that is now sadly, once more relevant today.
Told in dual timelines, this story tells of the suffering, death and absolute devastation in the 1930's when Stalin and his followers created famine for the people of Ukraine. He ordered them to join his collective farming, taking all foods and livestock with scant returns.. Mother's, father's, children, infants died from starvation.

Present day-Cassie learns of her grandmother's past through her journal. This helps Cassie and her family to understand why "Bobby" is exhibiting bizarre behavior such as hiding foods, and wandering.
Some how she survived this awful time, but it is still present in her memories.

This is a detailed, well written novel. There were times that it was not easy to read.
However, it is well told, and I can only imagine what is occurring today in Ukraine as well as what was, back in the 1930's with Stalin's war.

This quote "Just make it through today and hope that tomorrow will be better" seems to be the new prayer.
I believe we should all read this story to gain some understanding of life in Ukraine through the years.

Thank you to #Boldwood Books andNetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC and provide my review.

Putin's current war is not the first time a dictator from Moscow attempted and failed to annihilate the Ukrainian culture and nation, and knowing what Stalin did in the 1930s informs Putin's actions now. Kudos to Litteken for tackling this complex topic for a general romance audience. For many of her readers, this novel will be their introduction to the Holodomor, when Stalin intentionally starved to death millions of Ukrainians, then repopulated the emptied villages with Russians and Belarussians.

Told in dual contemporary/historical romance threads, the sugar-coating on the tragedy will make it slightly easier for some readers to swallow. I would have liked to see the story come alive through the characters' action rather than to have them talk about it, but this is an ambitious topic for a novice author who will only get better in subsequent books.

This novel will appeal to readers who want to know about the Holodomor, but who like their history wrapped in romance.

What an amazing story! I definitely had tears in my eyes for most of it. The two timelines were woven together very well, and it was easy to connect with characters from each one. It’s hard to describe my emotions after reading this book because I felt such a mix of grief and joy. This is such an important part of history that should never be forgotten, especially with what is going on in the region today. I’m so glad that I read this book! Erin Litteken is a talented author and I hope she continues to write.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book, it was well written with a compelling storyline set over two timlines, a dual narrative and well developcharacters that are relatable and likeable. I have read a lot of books about the second World War but I have never heard about the enforced famines and so this made for an interesting, yet heartbreaking read and made me research it more when I was finished.
A gripping read that I couldn't put down.