The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine

Matthew is the novel’s protagonist. His storyline appears in named chapters that alternate with those of the other main characters. He is a dynamic character and evolves over the course of the novel. In 2020, Matthew is 13 years old and lives in Leonia, New Jersey, with his mom and 100-year-old great-grandmother, GG. A month prior to the start of his first person account, the COVID-19 pandemic began and lockdown was initiated as a result. As a result, Matthew’s school is closed, and his studies now consist of “‘online learning’ in [his] bedroom” (2). Matthew isn’t allowed to spend time with his friends because Mom is worried about getting GG sick. Matthew’s world, therefore, feels small and lonely. He particularly misses his dad, whom he used to spend time with in Brooklyn before he was sent to Paris on a journalism assignment. Matthew often feels like his mom is against him because she enforces the household rules and pushes Matthew to spend less time playing video games and more time outside or visiting with GG.

Over time, Matthew’s regular conversations with GG change how he sees himself, his family, and his life in the present, highlighting the theme of

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