Red Famine: Unveiling the Darkest Chapter of the Twentieth Century

Winner of the prestigious Duff Cooper and Lionel Gelber prizes, Red Famine takes us back to the heart-wrenching events of 1932-33, when nearly four million Ukrainians perished due to a deliberate deprivation of food. This tragic episode stands as one of the most devastating in the history of the twentieth century, and this groundbreaking book is the fullest account yet published of the horrific famine.

Unprecedented Research

With unparalleled authority and meticulous detail, Red Famine draws upon a wealth of archival material and first-hand testimonies that have only become available since the end of the Soviet Union. It also benefits from the tireless work of Ukrainian scholars from around the globe. This comprehensive exploration includes harrowing accounts from famine survivors, providing a poignant insight into the depths to which humanity can sink when driven mad by hunger.

The Propaganda Machinery

Witness how the Soviet state shamelessly exploited propaganda to sow division among neighbors, purging those deemed 'anti-revolutionary.' Discover how false narratives were artfully constructed to fracture communities and perpetuate suffering. Red Famine exposes the ruthless tactics employed by the authorities to silence dissent and erase the memory of one of the greatest man-made tragedies.

A Testament of Resilience

In the face of unimaginable horrors, Red Famine tells the remarkable stories of everyday heroes who selflessly fought to alleviate the suffering. These extraordinary individuals dared to challenge the oppressive regime and provide relief to the starving population, serving as beacons of hope in a dark time.

Erasing History

Delve into the aftermath of the famine, as Ukraine's cultural and political leadership became targets of a vicious assault. The denial of this catastrophic event became a central pillar of the Soviet regime, resulting in the falsification of census reports and the suppression of collective memory. Red Famine boldly exposes how the Soviet authorities sought to not only crush Ukraine's national aspirations but also bury the truth alongside its millions of victims.

A Testimony to Memory and History

Red Famine represents a milestone in the recovery of long-suppressed memories and the acknowledgment of historical truths. By shedding light on this tragic period in the context of present-day Russia-Ukraine tensions, this book underscores the profound impact the past continues to exert on our current reality.