A Grain of Hope by Melissa Cole
Melissa Cole’s riveting debut historical novel, A Grain of Hope, takes an up close and personal look at a seldom discussed piece of history — the Holodomor, also known as the Ukrainian Famine. Over 2 years, millions of Ukrainians died at the hands of the Soviets and their man-made famine.
The book’s dedication solemnly reads: To all who have suffered under totalitarian regimes and whose lives were lost as innocent victims of war.
But as the title suggests, A Grain of Hope is not just a story of war and genocide. It’s a hopeful tale of one young girl’s strength, faith and resilience in the face of cruel uncertainty.
“Hope is a dangerous thing,” her father murmured … “Then let us be dangerous.”
A Peaceful Village on the Brink of Turmoil
Ukraine, 1932. Thirteen-year-old Oksana Kovalenko lives a picturesque life with her family in a small farming village. She spends her days attending school, playing with her best friend, and helping her parents and older brother ensure a healthy harvest on the land they’ve held for generations. Little does she know dark times loom just on the horizon.
The fall of the Russian Empire sent Ukraine into turmoil as Stalin began exerting his power over the peaceful countryside. Now, Soviet soldiers infest Oksana’s village, not only seizing land and food, but labeling innocent villagers as enemies of the state and exiling them to harsh labor camps — or worse.
Oksana’s perfect childhood home is soon overrun with rampant hunger and starvation. Worse yet, the looming Soviet presence threatens to turn neighbor against neighbor with the hope of keeping their own families safe. But no one is truly safe under Soviet tyranny.
In the midst of great betrayal and loss, Oksana, along with her older brother and their friends, set in motion a covert operation to steal back the seized grain and feed their dying village. It will take all their strength and cunning — and, most importantly, an unwavering trust in each other.
Alone, one flower can be trampled, but together, many flowers can form a tapestry that can weather the harshest winds.
Courage and Resilience Amidst Adversity
A Grain of Hope addresses many dark and harsh themes, but author Melissa Cole tackles these themes with optimism and grace. While the tyranny and tragedy remain very much in the forefront, Cole keeps readers focused on the strength and resilience of her characters. And she handles it in such a way as to not seem cheesy or unrealistic.
A Grain of Hope is a story about the loss of innocence, but it’s also about discovering one’s inner strength and faith. It’s a story about death and grief, but also about the strength of family and community. It’s about the harsh realities of war, but also about never backing down from injustice.
Oksana’s growth as a character is sure to touch readers’ hearts, as she slowly transforms from a hopeful schoolgirl into a determined, unbreakable spirit. She becomes a protector of her community and of her heritage, refusing to bow to tyrannical forces that want to strip them of their humanity.
A Timeless Lesson of Hope and Humanity
Unfortunately, the Holodomor and Stalin’s frightful reign were neither the first nor last of their kind. War and genocide continue to plague the world, and stories like Oksana’s pay tribute to the resilience and kindness of the human spirit in the midst of war, oppression and hate. A Grain of Hope offers a lesson that bears repeating throughout history: Never give up hope. Not even a grain of it.
About Melissa Cole:
Melissa Cole is a writer renowned for her deep commitment to historical research. Inspired by the forgotten victims of the Ukrainian famine known as the Holodomor, her debut historical fiction title, ‘A Grain of Hope,’ captivates readers with its poignant portrayal of human suffering and resilience.
As a survivor of a life-altering heart attack in 2018, she brings a unique perspective to her storytelling, infusing her work with resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to providing her readers with tales of survival.
Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Florida, Cole’s 25-year career has seen her excel as a writer and editor at international advertising firms and textbook publishing companies. Additionally, she has made her mark in the publishing world by launching her own family-focused magazine.
Beyond her literary achievements, she is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, dedicating her time and energy to tirelessly championing the rights of animals in need. When she’s not immersed in writing or spending cherished moments with her family, she can often be found indulging in her other passions, including reading, plant-based cooking and baking, as well as caring for her rescue cats.
Melissa Cole currently resides in Florida, USA, with her husband, children, and beloved feline companions.
