The Memory Keeper of Kyiv

By: Erin Litteken

Narrated by: Katherine Fenton

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 four 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Erin Litteken (P)2022 Boldwood Books

Great story, same as my parents. Things they spoke about was very much the same. Sad the world didn't believe.

Narrator mispronounced many of the words. A Ukrainian speaker would have done a better job.

This story deserves to be heard!

This story, not easy to write, was beautifully crafted to intertwine sorrow, despair and human terror with hope. I'm in awe of the writer, what a profound, must read.

Loved it

I started listening and couldn’t stop. Great story and part of history I was unaware of. Wonderful. I want the sequel.

Strength in Adversity

Strength through deep love of family and culture to survive evil. Shocking stories of human suffering mixed with great. Must learn from history to prevent repeat. Excellent performance.

Incredibly moving and truthful account of the Holodomor and Soviet russian brutality

Like the author, Erin Littekin. I grew up hearing many stories of the forced collectivization of Ukraine and the Holodomor. But like war, it is something hard to understand until you live it — day by day, hour by hour. This novel portrays the Holodomor in the daily details of life, love, survival, betrayal, hope and despair. By alternating chapters between the 1930s and 2004, she gives relief from the sadness and balances the evil and the good. I love this book. Erin Littekin has done justice to a little understood but very important part of human history.