Red Harvest: A Graphic Novel’s Representation of the Holodomor

Authors: Oleksandra Zakharchyshyn, Scott Rudd

SUNY Campus: Monroe Community College

Presentation Type: Oral

Location: UUW 325

Presentation #: 7

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: This research project examines the portrayal of the Holodomor through the lens of a graphic novel, Red Harvest. The Holodomor was a man-made famine in Soviet Ukraine in 1932-33 organized by Stalin’s administration that killed millions of Ukrainians. Even though the event took place almost a century ago, it remains a deeply underrepresented occurrence, especially regarding its historical impact and recognition as a genocide. This project looks at how graphic novels can represent complex historical stories in a way that is engaging and accessible to a broader audience, while also demonstrating how the format of this specific graphic novel can be used to bring attention to the Holodomor. By utilizing symbolism and character-driven storytelling and bolstering that information with reliable sources such as government documents, survivors’ testimonies, and international officials’ reports, this research project offers a unique and accessible approach to accurately represent the emotional and profound impact of the Holodomor, shedding light on the experiences of its victims. This presentation will analyze court cases involving cannibalism resulting from starvation and government-inflicted mental abuse, examining the legal frameworks, judicial decisions, and the societal context that influenced these cases. Ultimately, this project aims to contribute to a broader conversation about the role of graphic novels in shaping historical memory and the way visual storytelling can deepen public understanding of the Holodomor and its impact that is passed through generations.