The Kiev Confession

by Kathleen Hart

Set against the fall of the Soviet Union, The Kiev Confession weaves together the stories of a Ukrainian family devastated by Chernobyl and an American reporter who tracks fallout from Oppenheimer's "Trinity" to "Simon," the bomb test at the heart of her own family’s tragedy in upstate New York.

Kiev, Ukraine, 1986. Dmitry Marchenko and his sister march with thousands of children in the May Day Parade, unaware that deadly radiation is blanketing the city. Four years later, Dmitry is on a mission to expose the coverup of Chernobyl’s true toll.

Washington, D.C., 1990. Vickie Evans, a reporter and single mom, is struggling to succeed in a competitive newsroom. But when her story on radioactive snow from Chernobyl at the South Pole leads to a U.S. nuclear secret hidden for three decades, it sets her on a quest for the truth behind her brother’s death.

Dmitry and Vickie risk it all to expose the terrible Cold War nuclear secrets that shattered the lives of so many. Their journey reveals the indomitable power of truth to heal and rekindle the human spirit with hope and love.

Genres: Historical Fiction

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2023

About the author

Award-winning author Kathleen Hart worked as a reporter in Washington, D.C., for 23 years, covering nuclear nonproliferation, energy, and the environment. Born in Holden, Massachusetts, she received her B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She published a nonfiction book, Eating in the Dark: America’s Experiment with Genetically Engineered Food, with Penguin Random House and has appeared on NPR and C-SPAN. The Kiev Confession is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Ericka Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction about a journalist covering Cold War nuclear testing in the US. In her research, she gets caught up in the Chernobyl disaster and makes a trip to the ruins. Very interesting book with complex characters. The book spurred my interest enough to stop reading and look up some things about the US and Chernobyl.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Hart’s novel, The Kiev Confession, stands as an unparalleled masterpiece, showcasing a brilliant display of literary prowess. Set against the backdrop of the Soviet Union’s collapse, Hart offers readers an insider’s perspective on the Chernobyl explosion, revealing the secrets, courage, and unbreakable bonds of love entwined within this catastrophic event. The narrative unfolds in Kiev, Ukraine, on the fateful day of the infamous nuclear power plant accident, coinciding with the townspeople’s jubilant celebration of the annual May Day Parade. As a plague of ionizing radiation blankets the continent, the devastating toll of the catastrophe begins to take hold. Fast forward four years and survivor Dmitry Marchenko finds himself thrust into the spotlight as an American journalist embarks on a mission to expose the cover-ups orchestrated by scientists and governments. This unlikely duo joins forces, embarking on a quest that yields more answers than they had ever sought, unraveling the complexities of the Cold War while facing the daunting challenge of delivering justice to those deserving it.

From the very first page, it becomes abundantly clear that Hart’s meticulous research and vivid creativity serve as the driving forces behind this extraordinary book. The story immediately captivated my attention, skillfully blending historical context with personal narratives, igniting my curiosity. Hart’s ability to effortlessly transport readers to the chaos and devastation of the Chernobyl disaster is nothing short of remarkable.

Hart’s masterful character development of Dmitry and Vickie Evans spring to life from the page with an authenticity and depth that fosters an immediate connection. Their anguish, determination, and unwavering quest for truth permeate the very essence of the narrative. Beyond its captivating characters, The Kiev Confession delves into profound themes that will resonate deeply with readers from all walks of life. It skillfully explores the intricate complexities of the Cold War, shedding light on hidden truths and covert operations that shaped an entire era.

The Kiev Confession is an essential read for anyone in search of an unforgettable literary experience that will resonate long after the final page has been turned.

[Sandra R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Trivial Title Could Not Describe This Read

I found myself frequently stopping to research names, places, documents, books etc. Sometimes I had to take a break to read something less intense or garden or sleep or watch media. Much of this I knew in bits and pieces but seeing it woven together into the story was mind expanding. As a person born close to the action and a survivor of stage III cancer thanks to this book I now look at my body differently. Some books I am sorry to see end, sometimes I am relieved, sometimes I walk away without finishing, but this is one that will live with me.

[Beverly Vespico · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kiev Confession

Great novel knitting together the American and Russian responses to the poisoning of the environment with radiation - graphic and unnerving at times - I was particularly impressed by the patriotism of everyday Russians and their pride in "doing their duty" for their country even they had the knowledge of deadly consequences

[Sharon Ivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

seeking truth

Very interesting reading on the effects of radiation and how governments cover up these atrocities even though it is harming people. The reporters who seek to find the truth even though it is dangerous.

[Katie Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

This is an informative and interesting book, presented as historical fiction, but filled with accurate historical events. Definitely worth reading.

[LYNN MCNAMARA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book!

What a great book! I couldn't put it down, but I was sorry to get to the end!
A thoughtful book about governments and humanity.

[Teresa Sterneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

I enjoyed this wonderfully researched novel. Well developed characters take you back in time to the government cover ups and health impacts of nuclear tests and disasters in both the US and former USSR.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I clearly remember the news breaking about the Chernobyl disaster, this book immediately had my attention. Told in a dual timeline, it tells the story of the Marchenko family in Kyiv and Vickie Evans, a newspaper journalist in D.C. who covers environmental issues. The effects of radiation and the consequences of government coverups draw the two together. I knew the details of the Chernobyl disaster but I was shocked at the details of America's nuclear testing in the 50s and 60s.

This book is extensively researched and well-written, shifting seamlessly between timelines. I'm so impressed that this is a debut novel and I highly recommend it.