Matthew's Pandemic Gaming Escape

In 2020, Matthew, a 13-year-old boy in New Jersey, finds solace in video games as the Covid pandemic isolates him from friends and his father, who is stuck in Paris. His mother insists on less screen time, especially with his great-grandmother GG, moving in for safety. A mishap with a bow and arrow results in a two-week gaming ban, forcing Matthew to engage with GG's past. This leads him to a mysterious box of her belongings, setting the stage for a journey into family history and self-discovery.

Mila's Soviet Reality Check

In 1932 Kyiv, Mila is a young Pioneer, proud of her Soviet identity and her father's Communist Party role. Her life is disrupted when she meets a starving girl, Nadiya, who claims to be her cousin. Despite her father's denial, Mila is determined to help Nadiya, uncovering the harsh realities of the Soviet regime and a potential family secret. Mila's world is shaken as she navigates the dangerous waters of truth and loyalty, challenging her beliefs and understanding of her identity.

Helen's American Struggles

In 1933 Brooklyn, Helen, a Ukrainian immigrant, struggles to fit in while her family barely scrapes by. Learning about the famine in Ukraine through letters, she is determined to tell the world. Encouraged by her friend Ruth, Helen writes to the New York Times, challenging their reporting on the Soviet famine. Her journey is one of self-discovery, grappling with her identity and the power of her voice, learning that speaking up is a form of resistance.

Family Secrets Unveiled

As Matthew delves into GG's belongings, he discovers a photo of two young girls, one of whom is GG. This leads to revelations about GG's past in Ukraine during the famine. Matthew learns about the hardships GG faced and the family she left behind. The story of GG, Mila, and Helen unfolds, revealing a web of secrets and survival. Matthew realizes that understanding GG's past is key to understanding his own identity and the resilience of his family.

Mila's Heartfelt Promise to Nadiya

In Soviet Ukraine, Mila is confronted with her cousin Nadiya's suffering due to the famine. Despite the danger, Mila is determined to help Nadiya, offering her small comforts like chocolate. As they bond over shared hardships, Mila promises to protect Nadiya, unaware of the challenges ahead. This promise marks a turning point in Mila's life, as she begins to question the narratives she has been taught and the loyalty she owes to her family.

Matthew's Quest for Family Truth

In 2020, Matthew is drawn into the mystery of GG's past. As he explores her belongings, he discovers connections to the Ukrainian famine and a family history shrouded in secrets. GG's reluctance to share her story frustrates Matthew, but he is determined to piece together the truth. Through letters and photographs, Matthew learns about the resilience and sacrifices of his ancestors, realizing that understanding GG's past is crucial to his own identity.

Helen's Determined Fight for Justice

In 1933 Brooklyn, Helen is determined to expose the truth about the Soviet famine. Despite the challenges of being a young girl in America, she writes to the New York Times, challenging their reporting. Helen's journey is one of self-discovery and courage as she learns to use her voice to advocate for her family and community. Her determination to bring attention to the famine highlights the power of individual action in the face of widespread denial and misinformation.

Mila's Transformation and Survival

After a series of tragic events, Mila assumes Nadiya's identity to escape Soviet Ukraine. This transformation is both a survival tactic and a profound loss of self. Mila's journey to America under Nadiya's guise is fraught with guilt and fear but offers a chance for a new beginning. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones and oneself.

Matthew's Revelation and Resolve

As Matthew uncovers the full extent of GG's past, he realizes the importance of preserving and sharing family stories. GG's revelation of her true identity as Mila, not Nadiya, is a turning point for Matthew. He understands that stories have the power to connect generations and bring healing. Inspired by GG's courage, Matthew resolves to document and share her story, ensuring that the sacrifices and resilience of his ancestors are not forgotten.

A Legacy of Resilience and Hope

The interwoven stories of Mila, Helen, and Matthew highlight the enduring impact of family history. Through their struggles and triumphs, they demonstrate the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Matthew's commitment to preserving his family's legacy ensures that the lessons of the past continue to inspire future generations. The narrative underscores the importance of understanding one's roots and the strength that comes from knowing where you come from.

Characters

Matthew

Matthew is a 13-year-old boy living in New Jersey during the Covid pandemic. He feels isolated, missing his father and friends, and finds solace in video games. His punishment leads him to uncover his great-grandmother GG's past, revealing a family history intertwined with the Ukrainian famine. Matthew's journey is one of discovery, as he learns about resilience and the importance of family stories.

GG (Mila/Nadiya)

GG, or Mila, is Matthew's great-grandmother who lived through the Ukrainian famine. Her character is defined by her strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardships. GG's decision to assume Nadiya's identity is both a survival tactic and a profound loss of self. Her story is a testament to the power of love and sacrifice, and her legacy inspires future generations to understand and preserve their family history.

Mila

Mila is a young girl in Soviet Ukraine who assumes her cousin Nadiya's identity to escape the famine. Her journey is one of survival and transformation, as she navigates the complexities of identity and family loyalty. Mila's character embodies resilience and the power of love and sacrifice. Her story is a poignant reminder of the lengths one will go to protect loved ones and preserve their legacy.

Helen

Helen is a young Ukrainian immigrant in 1933 Brooklyn who fights to expose the truth about the Soviet famine. Her character is defined by her determination and courage in the face of adversity. Helen's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment as she learns to use her voice to challenge misinformation and advocate for her community. Her story underscores the impact of individual action in bringing about change.

Ruth

Ruth is Helen's friend, who encourages her to speak up about the famine. She is intelligent and confident, providing Helen with the support she needs to write to the New York Times. Ruth's character highlights the importance of friendship and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Anna Mikhailovna

Anna Mikhailovna is Mila's teacher in Soviet Ukraine who provides guidance and support during difficult times. Her character embodies wisdom and compassion, offering Mila a safe space to explore her identity and navigate the complexities of her family's past. Anna Mikhailovna's influence is a reminder of the importance of mentorship and the impact of kindness in the face of adversity.

Plot Devices

Interwoven Narratives

The book uses interwoven narratives to connect the stories of Matthew, Mila, and Helen. This plot device highlights the power of stories to bridge generations and reveal hidden truths. Through the characters' journeys, the reader sees how the past shapes the present and how understanding history can lead to personal growth and empathy.

Family Secrets

Family secrets play a crucial role in the narrative, driving the characters to seek the truth about their past. Matthew's discovery of GG's history and Mila's realization of her family's hidden identity are central to the plot. These secrets create tension and propel the characters on their journeys of discovery and self-awareness.

Identity and Transformation

The theme of identity and transformation is central to the narrative, as characters navigate the complexities of self-discovery and survival. Mila's decision to assume Nadiya's identity highlights the fluidity of identity and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. This plot device underscores the power of resilience and the impact of personal choices on one's sense of self.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Ukrainian famine and the Great Depression provides a backdrop for the characters' personal stories. This plot device adds depth and realism to the narrative, highlighting the impact of historical events on individual lives. The characters' struggles are framed within the larger context of history, emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal and collective experiences.

Analysis

"The Lost Year" by Katherine Marsh is a poignant exploration of resilience, identity, and the power of storytelling. Through the interwoven narratives of Matthew, Mila, and Helen, the book highlights the enduring impact of family history and the strength that comes from understanding one's roots. The characters' journeys underscore the importance of preserving and sharing stories, as they connect generations and offer healing. The narrative also emphasizes the fluidity of identity and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. In a world where truth is often suppressed, the book serves as a reminder of the power of individual action and the importance of speaking up for justice and truth.

Last updated: March 9, 2025