The Rooster House: A Ukrainian Family Memoir

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In Poltava, Ukraine, the Rooster House stands as an elegant mansion adorned with two striking red roosters by its entrance. While it appears unremarkable, Victoria's great-grandmother avoided it during her childhood in the 1980s. In 2014, amidst Russia's annexation of Crimea, Victoria visits her grandmother in Bereh, a cherished place from her youth. Before the trip, she discovers her great-grandfather's diary, revealing a haunting line about her uncle Nikodim, who vanished in the 1930s while fighting for a free Ukraine. Intrigued and determined to uncover his story, Victoria embarks on a quest that leads her back to her homeland multiple times. Her journey involves navigating Ukraine's post-Soviet bureaucracy, visiting remote villages, and conversing with elderly survivors from that era. Ultimately, her search brings her back to the Rooster House and the dark secrets hidden in its basement. This narrative, infused with the author's deep love for her family and populated by vibrant characters alongside the haunting absence of others, offers a gripping exploration of a complex, wounded nation and serves as a poignant tribute to hope and resilience.