Open Fields & Iron Curtains

Open Fields &
Iron Curtains

Lilia Klaczynski

A powerful journey of hope, endurance, suffering & grace. Experience a story that bridges the divide between freedom and constraint, revealing the resilience of the human spirit.

Open Fields & Iron Curtains book cover
Lilia Klaczynski

Lilia Klaczynski

I, Lilia Klaczynski, alongside my husband, James, of nearly two decades, and blessed with our four wonderful children, have embarked on a remarkable journey. Born in 1981 in the small city of Beltsi, Moldova—then a nation a part of the impoverished and economically challenged former Soviet Union. I faced a challenging start, spending the first three years of my life in a hospital due to premature birth, weighing 4lb 2oz. My childhood years unfolded in a Cupchini orphanage, former WWII military grounds, titled Kalininsk, where I lived with around 800 other children ages ranging from two to sixteen until being adopted by an American family at fifteen. Moldova was often seen as a refuge for the Soviet Union’s unwanted children and gained the nickname “The Dumping Grounds.” This orphanage, a remnant of the Soviet era, was my dearly loved and cherished home despite the hardships that shaped my early years. My childhood was marked by health struggles and a deep connection to nature. Despite facing many challenges, including a delayed education and frequent hospitalizations, nature provided solace amidst suffering. My adoption process announced the death of my biological parents and opened a new chapter in America, which sparked an initial desire to write my book.

Backstory

“Drowned in Sorrow, Raised by Mercy and Grace: The Ultimate Baptism” — A Powerful True Story

From the ashes of abandonment to the floodwaters of redemption, Open Fields & Iron Curtains is the raw, gripping memoir of Lilia Klaczynski—a child left behind in the shadow of a Soviet orphanage and rescued by divine grace. With piercing honesty and poetic courage, Lilia recounts her harrowing journey through trauma, silence, and survival. Yet this is not only a story of pain—it is a story of baptism, both spiritual and emotional, where mercy met her in the depths and brought her back to the surface, breathing hope. This book is for the broken, the searching, and the silent. It is for those who wonder if God still lifts the sunken. He does. And this story proves it.

«In her twenties, Lilia embraced Christianity, which defined her life’s trajectory. Her journey of healing from childhood traumas in 2018 using the Murray Method led to an astonishing reunion in 2023 with her biological family in Moldova, affirming her faith. Married to James since 2005 and blessed with four beautiful children, Lilia exemplifies resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith. Her story, rich with divine intervention and hope, inspires globally.»

— Amazon.com

Embark on a journey with Lilia as she unveils her first 15 years in a Moldovan orphanage, set against the backdrop of the fading Soviet Union. This tale weaves through the seasons of life, brimming with childlike wonder, unimaginable experiences, and the raw face of danger. At its heart lies a profound love for art and nature, serving as Lilia's refuge amid the tempest of suffering. Despite the shadows of tragedy , she discovers rays of triumphant joy-drawing on resilience, endurance, and, most profoundly, the miraculous mercy and grace that guide her path.

Endorsements

«It has been an honor for me to know Lilia and her family. How a child could endure all she experienced and yet, not only survive, but grow to a beautiful woman, wife and mother is truly amazing. Her courage and strength have been a special blessing to all who know her. I am pleased the Murray Method was helpful in her personal healing journey and know her book will be an inspiration to all.»

— Marilyn Murray Creator of The Murray Method

«Engaging, touching, and easy to read, the story of an orphan from Moldova is an intriguing window into a peculiar world different from the XXI century USA, and yet the feelings of fear and wonder, rejection and hope that this child experienced are easy for us to relate to, regardless of whether we grew up in the Soviet Union or the US.»

— Yelena Verenchuk, PMHNP-BC

«Lilia’s story brings encouragement and hope as she shares her story of triumph over a difficult upbringing.»

— Jan Henryson Author of: Finding Value in a Cracked Pot

«Open Fields & Iron Curtains invites readers into the heart-wrenching yet inspiring recollections of survival amidst the shadows of a Russian orphanage. Lilia’s book is more than just a memoir; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative force of hope and grace. Truly, God has a way of turning ashes into beauty, and transforming brokenness into a masterpiece of His grace.»

— Arthur Pangemanan, DC, FICPA

«What an inspiring story of grit and courage that formed the backbone of a child whose resilience has motivated her to become the gracious woman I am honored to know personally.»

— Jan Grentz, LPCC, NCC, CSAT

«You will soon discover that Lilia is an overcomer, a fighter, a survivor, and now thriving as a Christ-follower. She did not allow her past to define her. Rather she defined her past by taking it and allowing Jesus to redeem it. You will be drawn in by Lilia’s charm and truthfulness.»

— Pastor Virgil Grant

«A powerful, true story of how God brings Isaiah 61:3 to life - giving a crown of garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and the garment of praise instead of despair. Lilia takes us on a captivating journey of her time spent in a Russian orphanage. This book will walk you through astonishing surprises, jubilant joys, unimaginable horrors, and terrific triumphs. All of this while glorifying God, the One who comforts, provides, saves, and delivers.»

— Michelle Halloran Founder of: Dove and Sword ministries

What people say

Customers find the book well worth reading, with one describing it as a hard but eye-opening experience. Moreover, the story receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how captivating Lilia's narrative is. Additionally, the book serves as an inspiring source of strength for readers.

Madison A.

This was such a hard but eye opening read. I read it in two days and could not put the book down! The author does an amazing job at sharing her story and some harsh realities that many faced during communism.

Chris S.

This book is amazing and Lilia's story is so captivating. I highly recommend anyone to read! I met her on a podcast and she is the kindest and most genuine person I've met which is reflected in the way she writes.

diane howard

Knowing this author has been a pleasure. I have been amazed by her positive outlook in life and her faith in God. I had no idea she had been through all these things during her time in a Russian Orphanage.

Rday7806

It was challenging for me to comprehend the fact that Lilia experienced these events during the same period as my childhood in the United States. This book evokes emotional responses, but her resilience serves as an inspiring source of strength for us all.

BAclectic

An amazing story!! Lilia paints an extraordinary picture of her life growing up in a Russian orphanage. Her memory for detail and her insights into herself as a child, portray a uniquely intelligent and creative young woman.

Sharon Chase Hoseley

The story is awesome. The treatment horrible. I would like to have heard some of her innerf-eelings while she was being teased or beaten. Also she went from being teacher pet to the bottom of the list and then back to a favorite.

Mary Stevenson

Set in “modern day” times, this TRUE gut punching, heart grabbing story traces the journey of a young girl from an orphanage in Moldova in the early ‘80’s to her adoptive family in the US. It begs for a sequel to tell the “rest of the story”.

M Meister

Wow, thank you to the author for sharing her story. It was very enlightening, and the strength and courage it takes to share it is inspirational. She is truly an overcomer and I am sure this testimony will provide hope to many.

Rodica Albot

I just started reading this book, and it instantly gripped my heart. The emotions are so raw and real; it's hard to put down. The story is incredibly moving and so well-written that I hold my breath with each page.

Where to buy

Author signed paperback book copies available, please contact for further details.

Hardcover

Premium hardback edition

$24.99

Paperback

Standard paperback edition

$19.99

Kindle Edition

Available on all devices

$9.99