Ivan Nechuy-Levytsky was born on 25 November 1838 to a family of a peasant priest in Stebliv (Cherkasy region of central Ukraine). In 1847 entered the Boguslav religious school. Upon graduating from the Kiev Theological Academy (1865) he taught Russian language, history, and geography in the Poltava Theological Seminary (1865鈥�1866) and, later, in the different gymnasiums in Kalisz (Congress Poland), Siedlce (Congress Poland, 1867鈥�1872), and Kishinev (Bessarabia, 1873鈥�1874). He started writing in 1865, but due to Russian imperial censorship his works appeared only in Galician periodicals, such as the journal Pravda, Dilo, and Zoria (Lviv).
Interesting. In particular, the fact, that the south of Ukraine was more liberated than the mid and north. So people run away in that direction to live a free life or, in case of the main character, to survive after he caused the problems to his master.
But there is even more interesting question behind the main plot. Is it better to be a rebel and leave the family? Or is it better to suffer, but comply with the existing regime?
Mykola was a rebel. He did not support slavery, injustice, and inequity. But the price he paid... he lived way roo long as burlak, he hadn't seen his daughter for about 20 years. And his mother and his wife suffered from his decision as well.
This book reminds me of "Legends of the Fall". Very strong main character. Much stronger than anyone around can handle.