"Her life's journey begins with the new century in a small Siberian village. Polina expects a life of happiness when the village matchmaker provides her with a handsome young Cossack as her husband, but with the Revolution encroaching, peace is short-lived. During a snowstorm, Polina, her husband and young child cross a frozen river patrolled by the Red Army to the relative safety of Manchuria. After returning to the Russian border, her husband is killed in front of her during a massacre by the Red Army.... Polina settles into a life of peace but China is invaded, and all is lost. Polina's journey begins again."--Dust jacket.