I can barely touch on the full scope of the Holodomor in this author’s note, but I encourage you to look further into it because, as you know, history repeats itself. Two books I highly recommend to start with are Anne Applebaum’s Red Famine and Miron Dolot’s Execution by Hunger. For a list of the books and resources I used in my research, including virtual museum visits, survivor accounts, recent research on the statistics of this terror–famine, and links to organizations dedicated to keeping the memory of the Holodomor victims alive, please visit erinlitteken.com.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped and encouraged me on this journey. My agent, Lindsay Guzzardo of Martin Literary Management, whose guidance and excitement for this book helped this dream come true. My editor, Tara Loder, whose keen insight and passion made this novel so much stronger. The Boldwood Books team, the support you’ve shown me has been phenomenal. Jeni Chappelle, when I was about to give up, your editorial advice and kind words gave me hope. Early readers Lisa Herron, C.H. Williams, Susannah Wiley, and Jen Johnson gave me encouragement and suggestions. Andrea Green, our constant messaging kept me sane through the publication process. The online writing community–in particular the #HFChitChat group and the #MomsWritersClub–has made all the difference for me in what is often a solitary career. The scholars and historians working to untangle the web of buried facts about the Holodomor–your work is so important.
My great uncle, who taught me so much about our history and Ukraine, I’m beyond grateful for our connection. My grandpa and family story teller, who I lost the day before I signed this book deal. My dad, who shares my love of all things history. My grandma and partner in genealogy research. My mom, who walked every step of this process with me, never once doubted I’d get here, and reminded me of that whenever I needed to hear it. Kurt, my calm in the storm and staunchest advocate. Calla and Owen, my inspiration and hope. I couldn’t have done this without you. I love you all.
And, to my Bobby, who taught me how to speak my first Ukrainian words and made the best nalysnyky （or blintzes, as she sometimes called them）。 The bond I shared with you shaped me in so many ways, and I miss you every day. When I need to be strong in my life, I look to your example.