Talk about two very different families! While I felt for both of them, Anna grabbed my heart. And while I have only read the first scheduled piece, she and her children kept it. Anna seems to be a badly battered woman who is left with nothing as her husband goes off to get drunk and who knows what else. Her children, Lesya and Petro, are not a joy to her. Instead, they seem to be a weight and even to be ignored. It seems that Stefan has beaten her will and life right out of her and as usual, the children suffer. Thank goodness Maria was there. But then, there is the rape and consequent pregnancy. Stefan has no idea, or maybe he does, how much he has broken Anna. So much so that she doesn't want this child and seems to be doing everything she can to get rid of it. I also found the scene with the wolf very poignant. She was making a connection. Stefan's shooting of the wolf nearly killed Anna. Now she is working to "reunite" with the wolves. I can't wait to see how this turns out.
Maria and Teodore love each other and their children. But, Teodore was in jail. Maria had to move the children and the things she could save into a shed next to Anna. (What she did to get back the wagon and grain was incredible.) While conditions were harsh, Maria perseveres attempting to keep her family together awaiting Teodore's return. Then, he comes home. Shandi's description here seems right on. The children cautiously move around him until Ivan takes Teodore's face in his hands, looks into his eyes, and proclaims "It's him." That scene brought tears to my eyes. From this point, the family begins the healing process. Everyone pitches in, everyone works, everyone takes pride in the accomplishments.
At this point, Maria is more of Anna's caretaker/mother than her sister-in-law. Maria takes care of all of the children, and checks on Anna to be sure she is getting food, etc. I loved the scene where they all break out into song while planting the garden, Anna hears it and goes outside joining them in song. Everyone becomes quiet listening to Anna's voice. Powerful stuff! Then, Maria asks her to join them and it seems like a turning point for Anna. She starts becoming involved with the family again, although still on the outside. Maria's calm, reassuring, and constant attention have helped Anna. Lesya has also been instrumental in her mother's return.
While all of the characters are worth watching, I am waiting to see how Myron turns out. He has been the man of the house while Teodore is away. Now, he is second again. He wants to prove himself but he also want to make his father proud. He has become a man while his father has been away. Will Teodore get that? Will there be a show-down? More hooks to keep me reading. 
