The brand new historical novel from Erin Litteken, bestselling author of The Memory Keeper of Kyiv, based on her family's heart-wrenching escape from war-torn Europe.
A story of the strength of the human spirit, the personal cost of conflict and how love can be found even in the darkest times.
Summer 1941. War rages in Europe. The Germans march towards Ukraine. Halya, Liliya and Vika are no strangers to sorrow. They lost family during the Holodomor, loved ones in Stalin's purges, and war looms once more on the horizon.
Vika lives in fear for her children. She and her sister survived the terror famine by leaving their whole family behind. Now, years later, many believe the Germans will free them from the Soviets, but she's not so sure. Should they stay in Volhynia or flee the approaching Eastern front?
Liliya has lost too much in her 17 years. As those around her join the resistance, Liliya wonders how she can fight for her friends, family, and country. When the choice is made for her, can she find the will to survive and protect those still with her?
Twelve-year-old Halya is struggling to discover who she is. But as the war escalates, can her mother Katya's tactics keep her safe from the Nazi soldiers rounding up slave laborers? How can a child survive the horrors of war on her own?
These daughters of Ukraine will face devastation and loss as they fight to survive and protect the ones they love.
A gripping page-turner of love, loss and resilience for fans of The Nightingale and The Rose Code
"A beautiful, hard-hitting tribute to her own family's history and to the people of unbowed, unbroken Ukraine" Amanda McCrina, author of Traitor and The Silent Unseen
"Litteken's compelling, well-researched and moving storytelling soars as it brings to life a harrowing slice of history while intricately highlighting the past that echoes to the present day" Marina Scott, author of The Hunger Between Us
"A multi-layered saga woven with history and heart... An unforgettable gem of historical fiction" Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain
"Erin Litteken gives voice to WWII Ukraine with gritty authenticity...The Lost Daughters of Ukraine is a broom to sweep out Putin's propaganda" Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, author of Making Bombs for Hitler and Winterkill
Praise for The Memory Keeper of Kyiv:
"A compelling and intimate story of love and survival. Harrowing and haunting . . . yet, at the same time, it is sensitive, beautiful and inspiring. Everybody should read this story, especially now. I cannot recommend it highly enough." Christy Lefteri, author of 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." **Kate Quinn, author of The Rose Code and The Alice Network
"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." Lisa Wingate, author of Before We Were Yours
"This beautifully written snapshot of Ukraine's history is both timely and heart-rending, sensitively bringing to life the culture of a nation devastated by an enemy invader. How shocking it is that it's a history that's being repeated today. And how important a reminder that where there's life, there's hope." Fiona Valpy, author of The Dressmaker's Gift
"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
"The Memory Keeper of Kyiv is a meticulously researched novel . . . depicting a country whose people managed to dig deep enough to find the strength, determination and heart to survive." Deborah Carr, author of An Island at War
"Breathtaking. Devastating. Erin Litteken's The Memory Keeper of Kyiv chronicles a defining but forgotten moment of Ukrainian history." Amanda McCrina, author of The Silent Unseen
"The Memory Keeper of Kyiv is a truly enlightening read . . . I recommend this to anyone looking for a personal way to connect with Ukraine's history." M.B. Henry, author of All the Lights Above Us
Erin Litteken is an international bestselling author of historical fiction. Her debut, THE MEMORY KEEPER OF KYIV, has been translated into fourteen languages and was the 2022 winner of the She Reads Best Historical Fiction Award. With a degree in history and a passion for research, Erin draws inspiration from her family roots, and in particular, her great-grandmother's stories about life in Ukraine before, after, and during WWII. She lives outside of St. Louis with her husband and two children. For more information about Erin and her books, visit www.erinlitteken.com