5-Star
The Photograph is a remarkable story of a family caught in a Bolshevik domination resulting in the Ukrainian genocide of which, I sadly confess, I had no previous knowledge. It chronicles the lives of a family divided by their decisions about how to survive the onslaught. Kat Karpenko, the granddaughter of the real Nicholai and Juliana who escaped to Canada, dedicates the book to their courage and foresight. I found her to be a skilled and evocative writer. Historically accurate and compelling to read, The Photograph will inform, amaze and move you to tears. Don’t miss it!
Jude Jackson, Author of Chasing Glitter

5-star review by C.C. Brondwin

Sitting here after midnight, I am unable to put down this fascinating historical novel, The Photograph, by Kat Karpenko. It is based on a true story of a close family in Ukraine during Stalin’s reign of terror. The family tale is told so compellingly, and at the same time, I was surprised to learn a great deal about the changing political climate that led to the little known genocide by the Russians that killed so many people by execution, starvation and incarceration that ultimately tore apart and decimated so many families.

I was amazed how flawlessly the author wove historical information into this fascinating novel, as though the reader, like the characters, was slowly beginning to understand what was going on politically and how it would impact dramatically on their own lives with disastrous and deadly outcomes.

The novel is also timely for it echoes the current uncertain situation in the US with the growing political upheavals, along with the initial denial of many people of the seriousness of the illnesses and fatalities caused by the pandemic that is wreaking havoc on personal lives and future prospects. In order to survive these dangerous times and protect their families people must make difficult choices.

The story is a sad one, but it lifts you up and inspires through the family’s courage and determination. I found myself very involved with the characters and their unfolding personalities. Each faced the dangers in their own way.

This author keeps you engaged on a personal level and at the same time seamlessly enlightens and informs — that is truly a skill. This book had me from the start to the finish. I highly recommend it.

Remarkably readable for hard history
A family photograph set author, Kat Karpenko, on a journey of discovery and what horror she uncovered. Her novel tells of a family dealing with circumstances leading to the Holodomor, the famine-genocide Stalin’s rule brought to Ukraine. The character, Nicholai, based on her grandfather, tries to persuade family members to leave Ukraine as he is about to do. Some are blind to the future he sees so clearly. The story of his escape with his wife and family is followed by the dire conditions for those left behind. Survivor guilt and remorse can silence first-generation immigrants from countries torn by such horrors. Telling the truth of what happened nevertheless remains a duty, one Kat Karpenko, of the second generation, achieves with a remarkably readable historical tale.
Sarah 4-star

5-star review by C.C. Brondwin

Sitting here after midnight, I am unable to put down this fascinating historical novel, The Photograph, by Kat Karpenko. It is based on a true story of a close family in Ukraine during Stalin’s reign of terror. The family tale is told so compellingly, and at the same time, I was surprised to learn a great deal about the changing political climate that led to the little known genocide by the Russians that killed so many people by execution, starvation and incarceration that ultimately tore apart and decimated so many families.

I was amazed how flawlessly the author wove historical information into this fascinating novel, as though the reader, like the characters, was slowly beginning to understand what was going on politically and how it would impact dramatically on their own lives with disastrous and deadly outcomes.

The novel is also timely for it echoes the current uncertain situation in the US with the growing political upheavals, along with the initial denial of many people of the seriousness of the illnesses and fatalities caused by the pandemic that is wreaking havoc on personal lives and future prospects. In order to survive these dangerous times and protect their families people must make difficult choices.

The story is a sad one, but it lifts you up and inspires through the family’s courage and determination. I found myself very involved with the characters and their unfolding personalities. Each faced the dangers in their own way.

This author keeps you engaged on a personal level and at the same time seamlessly enlightens and informs — that is truly a skill. This book had me from the start to the finish. I highly recommend it.