Sunflowers Under Fire

De: Diana Stevan

Narrado por: Diana Stevan

Finalist for the 2019 Whistler Independent Book Awards, sponsored by the Writers Union of Canada. Semi-finalist for the 2019 Kindle Book Awards.

In this family saga set in Russia, love and loss are bound together by a country always at war.

During WWI, Lukia Mazurets, a Ukrainian farm wife, delivers her eighth child while her husband is serving in the Tsar’s army. Soon after, she and her children are forced to flee the invading Germans. Over the next 14 years, Lukia must rely on her wits and faith to survive life in a refugee camp, the ravages of a typhus epidemic, the Bolshevik revolution, unimaginable losses, and one daughter’s forbidden love. Sunflowers Under Fire is a heartbreakingly intimate novel that illuminates the strength of the human spirit, as shown by its courageous and inspirational heroine.

Based on the true stories of her grandmother’s ordeals, author Diana Stevan captures the voices of those who had little say in a country that is still being fought over.

©2019 Diana Stevan (P)2019 Diana Stevan

Fantastic book!

This book reminds me so much of my grandparents stories who came to the US from Ukraine after WWII. It reminded me of the tragedy that they encountered and of the strong people that they were.

One woman's strength and love of family

Based on her grandmother’s life and true stories, Diana Stevan intricately reveals the struggles and losses her grandmother, Lukia Mazuret endured during her life in Russia. Lukia is a strong woman who faced and survived war, revolution, and raising eight children single-handedly after her husband Gregory left to join the service. In a world torn by war and poverty, Lukia deals with protecting her daughters daily from the evils of men. Until the unthinkable happens and a taboo relationship happens.

The experiences and tragedies of Lukia are performed by Diana Stevan who gives voice to her grandmother’s story in a sensitive and caring manner. The passion and personal connection to the story are deep and provide the listener with an intense listen. Nine hours and 25 minutes long, the time flies as the listener is swept into the world of Lukia through the careful construction of the story and the passionate telling by Ms. Stevan.

There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.

I highly recommend this book.

Exceptional book

I loved this book although knowing it was based on a true story made it heartbreaking at times. Definitely recommend.

OUTSTANDING!

I absolutely loved it! This book caught my attention from the very beginning and held it throughout the entire book. This book had my emotions all over the place! I was able to see and feel the surroundings. The narration was superb and gave the story that extra flair! It will keep you entertained! The author did an amazing job with her grandmother's story! look forward to reading more books from this author! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Fantastic Historical Fiction

The author states that the story is based on her grandmother’s life. It is a sweet and sometimes tragic tale of life in the 1900s in Ukraine. Lukia’s life is remarkable and this is one of the best historical fictions I have ever read. The author put a lot of work in this and it shows. This story is just amazing. There isn’t a better way to describe it.