Book Description

In the 1800s, a European peasant desired freedom from his dominant, uncaring landlord in Ukraine. He chose a new life and country for himself and his family, immigrating to the wilds of Manitoba, Canada. The very primitive lifestyle in the frontier wilderness of Canadian woodlands provided the backdrop of the formidable challenges, difficulties and hardships he and his family had experienced-through long years of adjustment-on the road to survival and success. The story takes you on many interesting journeys, across the sea, through time, to a conclusion. This saga tells a heart-gripping human story embedded in history, exemplifying the courage and strength of this family, and highlighting one particular individual, Helena. Ukraine, situated in Southeastern Europe, is about one-tenth the size of Canada. Its countryside is very picturesque with abundant rich agricultural land and has gained the reputation as the "breadbasket" of Europe. At the height of feudalism until 1848, male peasants forced into serfdom were not allowed to own land in Ukraine. After serfdom was abolished, most male peasants were too poor financially to purchase land. One of them was a Ukrainian peasant, Jacob, who found landlessness extremely depressing. His landlord owned the land he and his family lived on. Jacob built the dwellings on the land, but was unable to purchase the land. Jacob heard about an offer from the Canadian government for Europeans willing to purchase 160 acres of land for ten dollars. He decided to pursue the opportunity, not realizing the difficulties and challenges he and his family would have to go through in order to survive. Mary experienced much anxiety during the journey by ship to Montreal. Several of her children became ill. She also had many concerns about the family's uncertain future in a new country. Mary's feelings of insecurity grew during their wagon ride through miles of deep wooded area to reach their new home. She took notice of the uninhabited territory for miles around. Mary soon learned that children walked many miles through the woods to attend school. Wild animals were close by. Temperatures went as low as thirty to forty degrees below zero during the winter months. The story expands on the eldest child, Michael, his marriage to Helena and their family. Their first intimate relationship was on their wedding night. It took place in a hayloft with the sound of cattle chewing and moving around below them. Michael had a strong desire to own land before having children. This desire was overtaken by the birth of their son, Bohdan, about nine months following their marriage. Unfortunately, because a doctor was not available in the area, the boy died from pneumonia at a very young age. Michael and Helena's family increased rapidly. Michael agreed to a partnership with Helena's brother, Jack, over a down payment for a farm estate. Michael was at first thrilled with this venture, but unfortunately they experienced many years of financial depression. Jack decided to walk away from the deal and left the farm to Michael. One of the highlights on the farm Helena enjoyed the most was having a larger home for the children. Her sister, Nellie, visited and stayed on for short periods, helping her with the children. On one occasion, Nellie took care of the children while Michael and Helena went out for a neighborhood get-together four miles from their home. They traveled to their destination by horse and stone boat. The ride home became a nightmare when Michael was not able to control the horse with the reins. The horse finally stopped at the barn door. Michael was astonished when he turned around to talk to Helena and realized she was no longer with him. Where was she? Michael's farming experience became more depressing as more payments were deferred and obligations unmet.. During this very low period, Michael met an elderly