“We are perishing from hunger…already many people in our village have died. Please, I beg you, help us as much as you can—”
This poignant quote underscores the devastating effects of the famine in Ukraine during the 1930s. It reveals the desperate plea for help and the harrowing reality faced by families struggling to survive during this famine. The quote represents a significant moment where Helen engages with Mr. Oleynik seeking information about the famine. Helen's initiative to collect stories sheds light on her desire to document the experiences of those affected in Ukraine. Yustina's heartbreaking plea for assistance encapsulates the dire circumstances endured by countless individuals. Moreover, this quote reflects the Soviet government's deliberate suppression and denial of the famine. It unveils the governmental efforts to control information and manipulate narratives to maintain a facade of stability and prosperity. In essence, this quote encapsulates the severity of the Holodomor and its profound implications.
“The Party set up watchtowers with armed guards to protect the wheat fields. They had orders to shoot anyone who tried to take even a stalk! When it was time for the harvest, they brought workers from the city to load every last kernel onto carts. Then they drove all our grain to the railway station and sent it away.”
Nadiya tells Mila the desperate circumstances that illustrate the cruelty of the Soviet regime during the famine. This deliberate confiscation of essential food resources underscores the regime's complete disregard for the lives of the Ukrainian population. The Party's actions and propaganda perpetuated starvation on an enormous scale. Mila begins to grasp her family's privileged background by unraveling the lies maintained by the Party. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the immense resilience displayed by Nadiya's family as they resort to extreme measures such as foraging for unconventional food sources. It offers a glimpse into the desperate attempts people made to feed their families despite the availability of food crops. The tone of the statement highlights the collective trauma that the survivors harbored during and after the famine.
“I could have sworn GG looked relieved, but all I felt was the opposite emotion. Mom was running up the street toward us."
Matthew's perspective is revealed as he grapples with the consequences of taking his great-grandmother for a walk. Caught by his mother in a moment of defiance, Matthew must navigate the impending confrontation. This quote highlights the tension between Matthew's desire to help GG and the restrictions imposed by his mother due to the pandemic. It portrays the challenges that emerged during the pandemic where the need to care for family clashed with safety restrictions. Additionally, this statement underscores the intergenerational dynamics within the family. It represents a moment of conflict by emphasizing the complexities involved in family interactions during a time of crisis.
