“Courage, Resilience, and Faith in the Face of Unimagined Cruelty”
THE HARVEST KEEPER
Tammy A. Borden
Heritage Voice Press (August 4, 2026)
Historical Biographical Fiction
393 pages
ISBN 13-9798990374850
Reviewed by Jerry McGinley
For readers who admired Tammy Borden’s biographical novel WALTRAUD and have been anxiously awaiting the next installment of her fascinating and dramatic family history, there is good news! THE HARVEST KEEPER is available. Unlike WALTRAUD, which closely follows one woman’s life, THE HARVEST KEEPER expands into a broader family narrative shaped by memories and accounts of those who experienced them.
THE HARVEST KEEPER covers the period between 1927 and 1932 in Ukraine. It tells the remarkable story of the author’s grandmother, Amalia Tomtschik, a mother of six children, who, through raw determination and sacrifice, sustains her family during the Holodomor, the brutal man-made famine created by communist dictator Joseph Stalin, which caused the deaths of nearly five million Ukrainians. Through the policies of collectivism and state ownership of land and livestock, the natives of one of the richest agricultural regions in the world were forced into starvation. Amalia shows incredible resilience, ingenuity, and self-sacrifice to keep her family alive. Hunger, sickness, and daily suffering defined their existence. Political brutality was commonplace. Fear of death and relocation to the gulags of Siberia loomed around every corner. The family’s religious faith is central in their drive to survive. Amalia has doubts but never abandons her faith in the real Harvest Keeper.
The prose moves at a steady pace. It never drags. Reviewers frequently use the term page-turner to describe a book. To me, that phrase means two things: the story is compelling and you do not want to put it down, but it also suggests you may want to turn the pages quickly to reach the resolution. In THE HARVEST KEEPER, you definitely do not want to put the book down. The suspense is too intense. However, I suggest you savor each page. The description, imagery, dialogue, and phrasing are meticulously crafted. The writing shows grace and clarity without ever appearing flowery or strained. The reader is emotionally glued to the narrative and characters.
In addition to Amalia, the reader is introduced to her children Lydia, Olga, Emma, Martha, Emil (the author's father), and Johann. The great-grandfather (Opa) also plays a key role in the saga. All characters show incredible courage and strength. While millions are dying, this family finds the strength to endure. The conclusion, based on family history, provides hope during the darkest times. Each character contributes a distinct emotional thread, giving the narrative both breadth and intimacy.
The heart of this narrative is driven by firsthand accounts the author heard from her grandmother, Amalia. Other details were provided by her father, Emil, who was a small child at the time of the story, but was dramatically influenced by these experiences. As with all historical novels, certain details and conversations are created by the author based on historical details provided by actual witnesses.
This book should be read by readers at every level—from young adults to seniors. It not only provides an enlightening and moving family history, but it delivers a powerful glimpse into one of the darkest events in history. People learn from experience. In light of current events in Ukraine and beyond, THE HARVEST KEEPER feels especially urgent and relevant.
Reviewer: https:wiwrite.org/Sys/PublicProfile/68267728/4946371
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