A review by cjm118
The Memory Keeper of Kyiv by Erin Litteken

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Wow. I was completely swept away by this read. This emotional novel was devastating at times, heartwarming at others, and extremely well crafted all around. 

The Memory Keeper of Kyiv is the unfolding of the horror that was Ukrainian genocide in the 1930s through the eyes of Katya. The book seamlessly switches between a young Katya’s POV in Ukraine during the famine, and a present-day, Illinois perspective from her adult grandchild, Cassie. 

Cassie is a recently widowed mother who moves in with her grandmother (who we find out is Katya), and begins to discover the past that was never spoken about in her family. Completely unaware of even her grandmother’s true Ukrainian name or the horrors that the Ukrainian people faced at the hands of Stalin, she sifts through Katya’s diaries (with the help of a handsome neighbor) and begins transcribing the hardships her grandmother endured during The Great Famine. 

Both POVs are compelling, and seeing Katya’s “senile” behaviors through Cassie’s eyes in light of the past terror she lived through is that much more heartbreaking. As Cassie begins to uncover this part of her heritage and family, she is also processing her own trauma of losing her husband while raising their non-verbal daughter alone. There is a “second chance at love” connection with this neighbor, and she has to decide whether to move forward and choose happiness, just like her grandmother must choose whether to confront her past.  

The story of the grandmother going through The Holodomor as a young adult was especially moving and tragic. It is very much a story of strength and bravery, and the portrayal of her trauma felt so real I was moved to tears at times. This is historical fiction, but as the author notes, much of the experiences described during the genocide was very real to millions of Ukrainian people. I absolutely recommend this book; I had never heard of these tragic events in history, and I am glad to be made aware- especially in light of current times. 

Thank you to NetGallley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC
Expand filter menu Content Warnings