The Memory Keeper of Kyiv

Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Beekeeper of Aleppo.

"A powerfully moving debut . . . Ukraine's tragic history painfully echoes its current crisis, and on every page the Ukrainian spirit shines out, unbowed, unbent and unbroken. This is a compelling, timely read." Kate Quinn, author of The Rose Code


In the 1930s, Stalin's activists marched through the Soviet Union, espousing the greatness of collective farming. It was the first step in creating a man-made famine that, in Ukraine, stole almost 4 million lives. Inspired by the history the world forgot, and the Russian government denies, Erin Litteken reimagines their story.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.

Resistance has a price, and as desperate hunger grips the countryside, survival seems more a dream than a possibility. But, even in the darkest times, love beckons.

Seventy years later, a young widow discovers her grandmother's journal, one that will reveal the long-buried secrets of her family's haunted past.

This is a story of the resilience of the human spirit, the love that sees us through our darkest hours and the true horror of what happened during the Holodomor.

"I never imagined the release of my novel on a past oppression of the Ukrainian people would coincide with such a parallel tragedy." Erin Litteken


May we never forget, lest history repeat itself.


A share of proceeds will be donated to DEC's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.


"Emotionally riveting and honest . . . simultaneously shines an unflinching light on historical atrocities while it celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. You won't soon forget this stunning debut." Paulette Kennedy, author of Parting the Veil


"Breathtaking. Devastating. Erin Litteken's The Memory Keeper of Kyiv chronicles a defining but forgotten moment of Ukrainian history." Amanda McCrina, The Silent Unseen.

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402 pages

Average rating: 8.39

36 RATINGS

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4 REVIEWS

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Community Reviews

terric57
Apr 29, 2024
Mission Study - Ukraine (23/24)
Lafayette23
Feb 13, 2024
10/10 stars
A historical fiction. Easy to read and shocking to learn about Ukraine's holodomor. More disturbing when viewed against current Ukraine / Russia war. Two stories told, parts are shocking, and two love stories. Very interesting and good book!
margardenlady
Dec 27, 2023
8/10 stars
Yet another historical episode of horror that I HAD NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE! Litteken tells a two timeline story of love and loss, and starvation. One storyline is set in 1931 Ukraine, when Stalin's forced collectivization of workers actually forced the starvation and elimination of millions of Ukrainians. Our protagonist in this timeline is Katya, whose family is changed irrevocably during that time. The modern timeline is set in 2004, after Cassie (who turns out to be Katya's granddaughter) is tragically widowed. Together these women piece together their lives. This debut was definitely written from the heart, since she is descended from Ukrainians who were affected by the Holodomor and sadly, the Ukrainian people are fighting again for their homeland irl.
Dinna D
Mar 12, 2023
Possibly the saddest, but best book Iโ€™ve ever read.

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