Mikhail Sholokhov’s And Quiet Flows the Don: A Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Sholokhov’s immortal work, And Quiet Flows the Don (or The Quiet Don), occupies a prominent place in the treasury of 20th-century Russian literature. This majestic novel reflects the life of the Don Cossacks during the period of World War I, the 1917 Revolution, and the Russian Civil War. Spanning the time period from May 1912 to March 1922, the novel recreates the dramatic events of that era.

Sholokhov worked on the creation of And Quiet Flows the Don for 15 years: the first three volumes  were published in 1925–1932, and the fourth in 1940. In this monumental work, the author involved a huge number of characters—699, a quarter of whom have real prototypes.

And Quiet Flows the Don belongs to the literary movement of socialist realism. The epic novel and battle scenes are the genres in which Sholokhov achieved unparalleled mastery. A brief summary of And Quiet Flows the Don by chapters and parts is presented below.

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Place and Time of Action

The novel’s plot covers the period from May 1912 to March 1922 and unfolds on the Don land. The setting constantly changes: the main events take place in the Tatar khutor (hamlet), the Yagodnoye estate, as well as in Austria, East Prussia, St. Petersburg, Polesie, Novocherkassk, Millerovo, and other settlements.

Main Characters

• Grigory Melekhov: A temperamental, independent Cossack, the younger son of Panteley Melekhov, the central character of the novel with “a sharp gaze from under lowered eyelids.” Grigory’s image embodies the power of the folk spirit, a composite image of the Don Cossacks in the early 20th century.
• Pyotr Melekhov: Panteley Melekhov’s elder son (6 years older than Grigory). He resembles his mother: short, snub-nosed, with unruly wheat-blond hair and brown eyes.
• Panteley Prokofyevich Melekhov: A Senior Uryadnik (Cossack non-commissioned officer), the son of Prokofy Melekhov and a captive Turkish woman, father of Pyotr and Grigory.
• Stepan Astakhov: A neighbor of the Melekhov family, Aksinya’s husband.
• Aksinya Astakhova: Stepan’s wife, Grigory’s beloved.
• Natalya Korshunova (Melekhova): Daughter of Miron Grigoryevich Korshunov, Grigory’s wife.
• Mitka Korshunov: Son of Miron Grigoryevich Korshunov, Natalya’s older brother.
• Vasilisa Ilyinichna Melekhova: Panteley Melekhov’s wife, mother of Pyotr, Grigory, and Dunyashka.
• Dunyashka Melekhova: Daughter of Vasilisa and Panteley Melekhov, younger sister of Pyotr and Grigory.

Other Characters

• Darya Melekhova: The wife of the brave Pyotr Melekhov.
• Miron Grigoryevich Korshunov: A wealthy Cossack, father of Natalya and Mitka.
• Sergey Platonovich Mokhov: A wealthy merchant, owner of a mill and a shop in the Tatar settlement, married twice.
• Elizaveta and Vladimir Mokhovs: Mokhov’s children from his first marriage.
• Nikolai Alekseyevich Listnitsky: A Cossack general, owner of the Yagodnoye estate, alone after his wife’s death.
• Yevgeny Listnitsky: Son of Nikolai Listnitsky, who courts the beautiful Aksinya.
• Iosif Davydovich Shtokman: A locksmith, a member of the RSDRP (Russian Social Democratic Labour Party), exiled to the Tatar settlement for work.
• Valet: A resident of the Tatar settlement, who worked at Mokhov’s mill, and later became a soldier.
• Mikhail Koshevoy: A lame Cossack, Grigory’s peer, initially his friend, and later his sworn enemy.
• Khrisanf Tokin (Khristonya): A Cossack of the Ataman regiment.
• Ilya Bunchuk: A Bolshevik, a Cossack from Novocherkassk, a machine gunner.
• Ivan Alekseyevich Sinilin (Brekh): An elderly Cossack, served in the Ataman regiment.

Brief Summary

Book One

Part One

Chapter 1

During the penultimate Turkish campaign, the Cossack Prokofy Melekhov returned to the Tatar khutor with his Turkish wife, who gave birth to a boy named Panteley. The Melekhov lineage, nicknamed the “Turks,” originated from them.

When Panteley Melekhov grew up, he married a neighbor’s daughter, the Cossack woman Vasilisa. Panteley and Vasilisa had two sons—Pyotr and Grigory—as well as a daughter, Dunyashka.

Chapter 2

Return from Fishing and Meeting the Shadow

The road from the river to the khutor lay through endless fields, shrouded in evening haze. Panteley, pleased with his catch, broke the silence. The conversation touched upon Aksinya, their neighbor Stepan Astakhov’s wife. Rumors of Grigory’s impermissible closeness to this woman reached his father’s ears. Frowning sternly, Panteley ordered his son: “From this day forth, stop all these games!”

The next day, Grigory, along with his close friend Mitka Korshunov, went to the merchant Mokhov. In Grigory’s basket was a choice catfish, promising a good profit. While Grigory was bargaining with Mokhov, Mitka managed to meet Elizaveta, the merchant’s daughter.

Under the Cover of Night

The father’s words had no effect on Grigory. The feeling that flared up in his soul was like a steppe fire. He continued to seek meetings with Aksinya.

Meanwhile, Stepan and Pyotr went to the May Cossack mobilization. Participation in the gathering was mandatory for those in the reserve.

The Road to Setrakov

The path to the Setrakov khutor, where the gathering took place, was long. The Cossacks settled down for the night at the foot of an ancient mound. By the crackling fire, Khristonya, an experienced Cossack, told a chilling story about how he and his father once went looking for treasure in an abandoned mound…

Chapter 7

At 17, Aksinya was married to Stepan. A year before the wedding, the girl was raped by her father. Upon learning this, Aksinya’s relatives severely beat her father, which led to his death.

After marriage, all the Astakhov family’s household chores fell on Aksinya’s fragile shoulders. Stepan could not forgive his fiancée’s “violation of honor” and treated his wife cruelly, while visiting other women. A year and a half later, Aksinya’s mother-in-law died, and soon her firstborn did not live to be one year old.

Soon, Grigory began to attract Aksinya, and she realized with horror that she was drawn to this dark-haired young man. This new feeling frightened the woman, filling her completely.

Chapter 8

Cornet Listnitsky boasted about his horse, and he and Mitka bet on who would overtake whom. In front of everyone, Mitka won, overtaking Listnitsky.

Chapters 9–10

Under the Cover of Night

In the midst of the meadow haymaking, the Melekhovs, along with Aksinya, went to prepare hay. All day, the image of the fiery Cossack woman did not leave Grigory’s thoughts. In the evening, when the sun-tired workers were already resting, Aksinya herself approached Grigory. Their meeting under the cover of night dragged on until dawn.

Rumors of the forbidden connection spread through the khutor like wildfire. The enraged Panteley Prokofyich stormed Aksinya’s house, forbidding her to appear on the Melekhovs’ doorstep. But the rebellious Cossack woman, consumed by passion, replied only: “Grishka is mine! Hear me, mine! And will be mine! I own him and will own him!” In a rage, Panteley returned home and, beating his son, announced his unwavering decision: to marry him tomorrow.

Chapters 11–13

The news of Aksinya’s infidelity reached Stepan like a black raven. Tormented by jealousy, he harbors plans for revenge and distances himself from Pyotr, Grigory’s brother.

Only a few days remained until the Cossacks returned from the military camps, but this did not stop Grigory and Aksinya from seeking meetings. Condemned by the whole khutor, they seemed to defy society, not hiding their passion.

Chapter 14

Stepan returned to his native settlement. The man initially ignored his wife, and then unexpectedly hit her on the head. The woman ran out of the house, but her husband caught up with her and began beating her in the middle of the street. Grigory and Pyotr saw what was happening. The Melekhovs attacked Astakhov and beat him until Khristonya appeared and separated the fighters.

Chapter 15

The Melekhov family went to woo the wealthy Korshunovs to arrange a marriage between Grigory and their daughter, Natalya. The Korshunovs did not give an immediate answer, saying they would consider the proposal.

Chapter 16

Stepan realized he deeply loved Aksinya only after learning of his wife’s betrayal. The man beat the woman every night, unable to forgive what had happened.

Aksinya still felt affection for Grigory and hoped he would do something for their love. However, at their meeting, Grigory declared that he wished to end their relationship forever.

Chapter 17

During the haymaking, Pyotr and Grigory’s conversation took a dangerous turn when Pyotr carelessly mentioned Aksinya. The enraged Grigory threw a pitchfork at his brother, but he managed to duck, and the sharp prongs whistled right over his head.

Chapters 18–19

Panteley Prokofyevich, Grigory’s father, feared a refusal from the wealthy Korshunovs when he decided to ask for their daughter Natalya’s hand. After all, Miron Grigoryevich, the head of the Korshunov family, might desire a more advantageous marriage for his daughter. However, Natalya’s heart already belonged to Grigory, and the wedding was scheduled for the first Spas (August 14th).

Chapter 20

Aksinya could not reconcile herself to Grigory and Natalya’s happiness. Thoughts of her rival, who had not known the bitterness of unrequited love, tormented her soul. She was ready to fight for her happiness and “take Grishka away” from Natalya Korshunova.

Chapters 21–22

The long-awaited wedding of Grigory and Natalya arrived. However, instead of joy, Grigory was increasingly overwhelmed by disappointment. He noticed flaws in his bride’s appearance, and the wedding rituals only caused him irritation.

Part Two

Chapter 1

The text briefly narrates the Mokhov lineage, which began with Nikishka Mokhov, an emigrant from Voronezh and Sergey Mokhov’s grandfather. After squandering all the family fortune, Sergey’s grandfather, starting almost from scratch, managed to build up capital by trading agricultural goods and even built a mill. He had two children from his first marriage: Liza, who was the spitting image of her mother, and Vladimir. Sergey Platonovich’s house became a gathering place for the local intelligentsia in the evenings.

Chapter 2

August was coming to an end when Mitka invited Liza Mokhov fishing. That day, succumbing to suddenly flared feelings, the young people crossed the line. Rumors of what happened quickly spread through the khutor. Mitka, inspired by love, decided to ask for Liza’s hand. However, Sergey Platonovich, learning of the young man’s intentions, became furious, refused him point-blank, and even set the dogs on him.

Chapter 3

The Melekhov family loved Natalya, but Grigory could not forget Aksinya. Neighbors still quarreled with Stepan and did not communicate.

Chapters 4–5

The locksmith Iosif Shtokman settled in the khutor. One day, he managed to prevent a fierce fight between Cossacks and Tavrichans (settlers from Tavrida province) at the mill, during which Mitka Korshunov beat Sergey Mokhov.

Grigory confessed to Natalya that he did not feel affection for her.

Chapter 6

A few weeks after the fight at the mill, an investigator and a police officer arrived in the khutor. Iosif Shtokman was called for interrogation, as it turned out he had a previous conviction.

Chapters 7–8

Panteley Prokofyevich returned home after gathering firewood. Vasilisa Ilyinichna complained of feeling unwell and shared her suspicions with her husband that Natalya and Grigory had disagreements in their relationship.

The Melekhov men went to work. Along the way, they met Stepan, who was driving unhitched oxen toward the khutor. He left his broken sledge under Aksinya’s care. Grigory waited until everyone left to be alone with the desired woman. Aksinya confessed that without him, she “has no strength.”

Chapter 9

In the evenings, Cossacks and workers gathered at Shtokman’s: Khristonya, Valet, Kotlyarov Ivan Alekseyevich, Filka the cobbler, Mishka Koshevoy. Shtokman read aloud poems by Nekrasov and A Short History of the Don Cossacks, and afterward, everyone vividly discussed what they had read. Iosif, like an tireless worm, slowly eroded the wood of human consciousness, sowing the seeds of doubt in the existing order and cultivating the sprouts of hatred.

Chapter 10

After taking the oath, Grigory and Mitka became full-fledged Cossacks.

Grigory, returning home, learned that his wife Natalya had decided to leave him. The man replied that he would not keep her by force. Saddened, Grigory went to spend the night with his friend Mikhail Koshevoy, and in the morning, he met Aksinya. The woman was ready to leave everything and start a new life with Grigory but did not dare to tell him that she was pregnant.

Chapter 11

The next morning, Grigory went to Mokhov’s and met Listnitsky there. Listnitsky offered Grigory a job as a coachman, promising also to employ Aksinya as a “kitchen maid.”

Chapters 12–13

One evening, Mishka Koshevoy’s sister ran to Aksinya and asked her to quickly pack her things and come to their place. When Stepan, Aksinya’s husband, returned home, his wife was gone. Finding a forgotten jacket, he furiously tore it to pieces.

Natalya returned to her parents.

Chapter 14

Yevgeny Listnitsky, an officer of the Life Guard Ataman Regiment, was forced to return to his native Yagodnoye to his father after an accident at the races. From the very day Aksinya appeared in Yagodnoye, Yevgeny did not hide his burning interest in her.

Chapters 15–16

One evening, on Maundy Thursday, a conversation started at Shtokman’s about the inevitability of a war “between Germany and France over vineyards,” about the coming “clash of capitalist powers for spheres of influence and colonies.” Shtokman was sure that the war would not bypass their quiet khutor.

On the holy night before Easter, when parishioners gathered at the church, an agitated Mitka flew up to them. Finding his father in the crowd, he blurted out: “Natalya is on the verge of death!”

Chapters 17–19

Natalya, languishing from longing for her husband, decided on a secret message. Hidden from her parents, she wrote to Grigory, hoping to find out if he intended to return. Her husband’s reply was brief and merciless: “Live alone. Melekhov Grigory.”

On the eve of the great holiday of Easter, Natalya, trying to restrain her emotions and tears, got ready and went to church. On the way, she heard young people discussing that Grigory had left her because she “got involved with her father-in-law, the lame Panteley.” Unable to bear the shame, Natalya went to the barn and inflicted a cut wound on her throat.

During a hunt, Grigory and the old Listnitsky are unexpectedly helped by a certain Stepan to catch a large wolf. Stepan promised Grigory that he would “sooner or later” kill him.

Chapter 20

Aksinya confessed to Grigory that she was pregnant. During the haymaking, Aksinya began to have contractions. Grigory, putting her on a cart, hoped to deliver her to the estate in time, but his wife gave birth right in the cart.

Chapter 21

Young Aksinya gave birth to a daughter, bringing joy to their family. In the December days, Grigory was given a conscription notice at the stanitsa administration, informing him that he would have to leave for Cossack service after Christmas. Unexpectedly, Panteley Prokofyevich arrived at Yagodnoye to see his son off to the army. However, he did not even speak to Aksinya.

Grigory was assigned to an army regiment where he was to serve.

Part Three

Chapter 1

After the failed suicide attempt, Natalya managed to survive. But her relatives began to treat her coldly, and the girl had to move to her father-in-law’s house. Wishing to reconcile Natalya and Grigory, Panteley, in his letters, asked his son about his plans for the future after service. Grigory replied that upon his return, he intended to reunite with Aksinya.

Dunyasha Melekhova grew up and began attending local gatherings. The girl shares details of her relationship with Mishka Koshevoy with Natalya.

Suddenly, the khutor was shaken by the news of Shtokman’s arrest. Chained, he was taken away under heavy escort. It turned out that Iosif, hiding his true nature, was a member of the banned RSDRP (Russian Social Democratic Labour Party), storing seditious books in his house.

Chapter 2

Meanwhile, the regiment in which Grigory served was stationed in the Radzivilovo estate. The atmosphere in the regiment was oppressive: warrant officers, abusing their position, mocked the ordinary Cossacks. Grigory, unable to tolerate injustice, tried to resist the tyranny. One night, a platoon of Cossacks, intoxicated by impunity, abused the defenseless maid Franya. Grigory, risking himself, tried to stop the outrage, but the enraged Cossacks, tying his hands, threatened to kill him if he told anyone what happened.

Chapters 3–5

The thunder struck unexpectedly: the quiet life of the khutor was stirred up by military mobilization. “Not four days passed before red echelons, loaded with soldiers, cannons, and supply trains, stretched toward the western border, taking the Cossacks towards the unknown.”

The news of the war did not bypass Grigory—his regiment received orders to march to the border. In the very first battle at the Verby station, obeying instinct, Grigory killed an Austrian soldier. A whirlwind of conflicting feelings raged in the young Cossack’s soul: “the vile feeling of his own guilt mixed with confusion, tearing his soul apart.”

Chapters 6–7

The path of the recruits, including Pyotr and Stepan, lay through the Eya khutor. There, under the roof of an old Cossack, a veteran of the Russian-Turkish war, they spent the night before leaving for the army. Sharing his wisdom, the old man bequeathed to them: “To pass through the war and save your life, do not take what belongs to others, do not offend women, and read your prayers.”

Meanwhile, Mitka was assigned to the ranks of the 3rd Don Cossack Regiment, bearing the glorious name of Yermak Timofeyevich.

Chapters 8–9

Fate assigned Stepan Astakhov as the head of the post. During a patrol of the territory, the Cossack’s keen eye noticed approaching horsemen—a German detachment. In the ensuing skirmish, Stepan killed the enemy officer, and the leaderless Germans turned to flight.

A feat… A loud word, behind which sometimes lies only horror and senseless cruelty. The bold Cossack attack, in which Stepan and his comrades showed remarkable courage, turned into bitter disappointment. Kryuchkov, the cornet’s favorite, stole the laurels of the winner and the generous reward, and the selflessness of the others remained in the shadows. But what was really happening? On the battlefield, gripped by animal fear, people who had not yet managed to be filled with hatred for the enemy clashed. They blindly collided, inflicting terrible blows on each other, maiming themselves and their horses. And they scattered only upon hearing the fatal shot that claimed someone’s life. They rode away, mutilated not only physically but also morally. And this was called a feat?

Chapter 10

Grigory, who had tasted the bitterness of battle for the first time, could not recover from the experience. The face of the Austrian he killed, distorted by pre-death agony, kept rising in his memory, tormenting his soul with unbearable pain.

In the last days of August, a reinforcement from the Don arrived for Grigory, whose regiment was stationed near Leshnyuv. Among the recruits were many countrymen, including Pyotr. In conversation with his brother, Grigory found out that Natalya remained in their house and was languishing in separation from him. On the way, the brothers crossed paths with Stepan, who unequivocally let Grigory know that he had not forgotten the offense inflicted and was harboring plans for revenge.

Chapter 11

Grigory finds a dead man, next to whom lies a notebook belonging to a Cossack named Timofey. In his notes, Timofey describes his turbulent affair with Elizaveta Mokhov. The girl did not spare Timofey’s feelings, insulted him, and demanded expensive gifts. When Elizaveta left him, he found solace in the war.

Chapter 12

At the front, Grigory meets the cruel Chubaty (Alexey Uryupin), for whom the war became his native element. Chubaty, “drunk with blood,” begins to teach Melekhov the art of the Baklanov saber strike, instructing him to be ruthless toward enemies and ordinary people: “To kill an enemy in battle is a righteous cause.”

Chapter Chapter 13

In the heat of a bloody skirmish, Grigory killed a Hungarian officer, but the triumph of victory was replaced by darkness: a treacherous blow to the back of the head plunged him into unconsciousness.

Chapters 14–15

Yevgeny Listnitsky, driven by the fervent desire to serve the fatherland and the Tsar, decided to join the ranks of the brave Cossacks. He was assigned to the headquarters, located in Bereznyagi. There, he met the brave volunteer Ilya Bunchuk, to whom he provided invaluable assistance in obtaining an assignment to the machine gun brigade.

Chapters 16–17

Deep sorrow enveloped the Melekhov family when the grievous news of Grigory’s death reached them. Grief-stricken relatives sent a requiem service, calling for the help of Father Vissarion. But sorrow was replaced by indescribable joy when a letter arrived from Pyotr, announcing that Grigory was alive, awarded the St. George Cross for his valor in battle, and promoted to Junior Uryadnik.

Chapter 18

Natalya languished in bitter longing for Grigory, harboring the hope that upon his return from the front, he would find his way back to her. Overcoming her sense of shame, the woman decides to visit Aksinya to beg her rival to return her husband.

While Pyotr was fighting in the war, Darya underwent significant changes. She began to frequent folk gatherings and accept the courtships of the young men who remained in the khutor.

Chapter 19

Grigory rarely wrote to Aksinya about his life at the front.

On Sunday, Aksinya received Natalya. Feeling like the victor, Aksinya spoke arrogantly and mockingly to Natalya, humiliating her. Natalya was particularly struck by the resemblance between Aksinya’s daughter and Grigory. Weeping and swaying, Natalya left her rival’s house.

Chapters 20–21

Wounds Suffered and Bitter Fates

Regaining consciousness after being wounded, Grigory slowly moved eastward. Along the way, fate brought him together with a wounded officer, whom he unhesitatingly helped to his feet and led away. Soon, Cossack patrols noticed them and took them to the dressing station. For saving the officer’s life, Grigory was awarded the St. George Cross, 4th class.

No sooner had Melekhov returned to duty than the regiment was hit by machine-gun shelling from the air. During the shelling, a fragment hit Grigory in the eye. The front-line doctor, examining the wound, decided to send Grigory to Moscow, to Dr. Snegirev’s eye clinic.

Chapter 22

Under the heavy fire of the Austrians, Cornet Listnitsky received severe wounds to the head and leg. Bleeding heavily, Yevgeny was evacuated to the rear, to a hospital in Warsaw.

Tragedy struck Yagodnoye: Aksinya’s daughter fell ill with scarlet fever and soon died. During this mournful time, Yevgeny arrived at the estate on leave after treatment. Having lost her daughter, Aksinya, crushed by grief, seemed to seek solace in Listnitsky’s embrace, and he began to court her again. Exhausted by her despair, the woman did not find the strength to resist his advances.

Chapter 23

While in Snegirev’s clinic, Grigory met Andriy Garanzha, a Ukrainian who very categorically criticized the government, the war, and everything he disliked. With growing alarm, Grigory realized how the smart and angry Ukrainian was gradually, steadily destroying all his former beliefs about the Tsar, the Fatherland, and his Cossack duty.

In late October, Grigory was sent to a hospital in Tver to heal a head wound. When he was presented as a hero to an “imperial family member” who visited the clinic, Grigory deliberately behaved disrespectfully, for which he was deprived of food for three days and then sent home.

Chapter 24

Returning to his native Yagodnoye, Grigory learned from the old Listnitsky servant, Grandpa Sashka, about Aksinya’s betrayal with Yevgeny. Not wanting to show that he knew of this betrayal, Melekhov suggested that Yevgeny take a ride in a light carriage. Distancing themselves from the estate, Grigory severely beat his rival with a whip and his feet. Returning home, he struck Aksinya across the face with the whip and hurried to leave for his parents’ house. Thus, Grigory remained living with Natalya, who was faithful to him.

Book Two

Part Four

Chapter 1

In October 1916, Listnitsky, Bunchuk, and other officers discussed the possibility of uprisings at the front. Bunchuk confessed that he was a member of the RSDRP (Russian Social Democratic Labour Party) and expressed the inevitability of a revolution that would lead to the establishment of a civil dictatorship. Yevgeny hastened to report this conversation to the military command, but that same night, Bunchuk deserted.

Chapter 2

Early in the morning, Bolshevik leaflets appeared in the trenches with calls for the proletarians of all countries to unite, overthrow the autocracy, and put an end to the imperialist war, urging for the inviolable unity of the working people of the whole world. Officers conducted a thorough search, trying to find the distributor among the Cossacks, but without success. At this time, Bunchuk establishes connections with “his” people and obtains false documents.

Chapter 3

Along with the headquarters of the 80th Division, a Cossack squadron, consisting of third-line fighters from the Tatar khutor, moved to the site of close fighting. During a search of dugouts in one village, Valet meets an Austrian social-democrat soldier and lets him go.

Chapter 4

Grigory Melekhov, while in the circle of his loving family, could not forget Aksinya. Returning to the front, he desperately sought to show courage, risking his life and performing reckless acts. His heart had hardened, losing the ability to sympathize. Grigory treated others’ lives and his own with cold contempt. For his displayed bravery, he was awarded four St. George Crosses and four medals.

During another enemy attack, Grigory was severely wounded again.

Melekhov grew close to Chubaty, who advocated rejection of the war.

Chapters 5–6

Panteley’s life without his sons’ help was difficult, but he managed the household independently. Natalya became a solace for the old man, helping her in-laws with all her might, and soon gave birth to a boy and a girl by Grigory.

Darya’s infidelity became the talk of the town; whispers of her affairs, even with Stepan, reached Pyotr. Stepan’s death at the front, according to rumors, only fueled Pyotr’s thirst for revenge: he dreamed of depriving his wife of her beauty by gouging out her eye, so that no man would ever look her way again. Unable to bear the shame, Panteley personally punished his daughter-in-law, flogging her with a belt.

Chapter 7

The news of the fall of the autocracy reached Mokhov. Soon, the entire khutor learned of the changes that had shaken the country. Alarmed Cossacks turned to Sergey Platonovich for advice on how to live on. “They will equate you with the peasants, take away your privileges, and even remember old grievances. Hard times are coming,” he concluded bitterly. Mokhov, gazing at the wealth acquired through hard work, sadly reflected on the future of his children, who were essentially strangers to him: his daughter only asked for money in rare letters, showing no interest in her father’s life.

Mokhov goes to Yagodnoye, where Yevgeny informs him that “soldiers have turned into gangs of criminals, unruly and savage.”

Chapters 8–9

The army announces the overthrow of Nicholas II. Cossacks are forced to swear allegiance to the Provisional Government. People are tired of the war; everyone understands that if at least one person deserts, many will follow.

Pyotr’s wife, Darya, comes to visit him at the front. He is so happy to see her that he even forgets about his plans for revenge.

Chapter 10

Yevgeny Listnitsky is transferred to the 14th Regiment, where most Cossacks support the idea of restoring the dynasty.

Chapter 11

General Kornilov is appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Southwestern Front. Listnitsky tries to persuade the officers to support Kornilov: to start conducting political discussions among the Cossacks to remove them from Bolshevik influence.

Chapters 12–14

The Turning Point

Listnitsky’s hope for the Cossacks’ support for the monarchy proved futile: they did not share his convictions.

In Petrograd, Yevgeny meets comrades-in-arms and learns about Kornilov’s ambitious plans. The General intends to establish his dictatorship in Russia by force, relying on the might of the Cossacks as a bulwark of counter-revolution.

Meanwhile, the Bolsheviks are preparing a counter-strike—Kornilov’s arrest.

Chapter 15

Echelons with Cossacks are sent to aid Kornilov. Despite the spread of Kerensky’s ideas among the Cossacks, the dual power causes them only antipathy and a sense of hopelessness.

The old Cossack Ivan Alekseyevich Sinilin firmly decides to support the force that proves stronger—the Bolsheviks. He raises a revolt in his regiment, refusing to lead people to aid Kornilov in Petrograd.

Chapters 16–17

Vain Resistance

Realizing the inevitability of the collapse of his plans, Kornilov turns to Kaledin, one of the leaders of the White movement, for support. At this time, at one of the railway stations where the echelon with Cossacks rushing to aid Kornilov stops, Bunchuk infiltrates the carriage. He tells them about the real state of affairs in Petrograd, calling on the Cossacks to oppose Kornilov’s usurping ambitions.

The next morning, a revolt breaks out among the Cossacks. Officers try to pacify the rioting Cossacks and stop Bunchuk, but their attempts are futile. When the officer Kalmykov, trying to reason with the Cossacks, calls on them to follow him to Petrograd to help Kornilov, Bunchuk coldly kills him.

Chapter 18

The Provisional Government removes Kornilov from the post of Commander-in-Chief, appointing General Alekseyev in his place. Soon, Kornilov is arrested.

Chapter 19

General Listnitsky, striving to enlist the support of the Cossacks for Kornilov’s action, began preparing the Cossack units for the coming battles. However, his plans were ruined when, upon receiving the order to march, most of the Cossacks defected to the Bolsheviks’ side.

Chapter 20

The news of the October Coup found Kornilov in Bykhov prison. At this very time, Kornilov’s loyal comrade-in-arms, Ataman Kaledin, was gathering a powerful force on the Don, uniting the Don, Kuban, and Terek Cossacks under his command. Kornilov’s guards, harboring no particular illusions about the Provisional Government’s prospects, did not hinder his escape, and the General unimpeded left the place of detention at the right moment.

Chapter 21

The October Revolution caused unrest in the Cossack ranks, and many Cossacks deserted. Once, catching three fugitives, Koshevoy, thinking about the situation, let them go, saying: “I myself am against the war, but I keep others; what right do I have?”

Part Five

Chapter 1

During the harsh years, many Cossacks of the Tatar khutor lost their lives, but among the few survivors, Pyotr Melekhov returned. He reported that Grigory had defected to the Bolsheviks.

Chapter 2

Taking the position of commander of a Red Guard sotnya (squadron), Grigory met the Cossack Izvarin, who preached the idea of Cossack autonomy—an independent Don state under the governance of the Cossack Krug (Assembly). Izvarin believed that after the victory of the revolution, the Bolsheviks would seize the Cossack lands as well.

In November 1917, Grigory met the commander of the revolutionary Cossacks, Fyodor Podtyolkov, who argued that the Cossacks needed people’s power.

Chapter 3

Russian generals and soldiers, fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution, began arriving in Novocherkassk. Kaledin took control of the situation in the city.

Chapters 4–5

The character named Bunchuk goes to Rostov, where the party leadership instructs him to organize a machine-gun team. Among the 16 people enrolled as trainees was a young Jewish woman, Anna Pogudko. Bunchuk, teaching people how to handle a machine gun, pays special attention to Anna, gradually falling in love with her.

Chapter 6

In late November, the White Guards’ offensive on Rostov begins, and the machine gunners are the first to meet them. Bunchuk’s team manages to provide cover for a counterattack.

Chapter 7

The battles continue with varying success for 6 days. It is difficult for Anna to kill people, and Bunchuk tries to support the young woman whenever possible. Bunchuk contracts typhus, and his condition worsens.

Chapters 8–9

New Power and Old Grievances

Seeking to tip the scales in their favor, the Bolsheviks decided to organize a Cossack congress in the Kamenskaya stanitsa (village). Ivan Alekseyevich and Khristonya tried to involve the residents of their khutor in the participation. However, not everyone shared their enthusiasm: Pyotr Melekhov and Mitka Korshunov refused outright.

The congress ended with a change of power: the reins of government passed to the Military Revolutionary Committee (VRK). Podtyolkov was elected as the head of the committee, and his loyal assistant, the secretary, was Krivoshlykov. Without wasting time, the VRK sent a delegation to Novocherkassk to assert its rights.

Chapters 10–11

The meeting in Novocherkassk took place in an atmosphere of hostility and distrust. The VRK delegation was brought almost by force to the building of the regional government, where Ataman Kaledin himself was already waiting for them. Lengthy negotiations on the transfer of power ended in nothing: the White government of the Don region refused to recognize the committee’s demands.

Meanwhile, taking advantage of the moment, White Guard detachments led by Chernetsov swiftly captured Kamenskaya, driving out the Red Guard forces.

Chapter 12

While in the Kamenskaya stanitsa, Grigory learns of the presence of his rival, Yevgeny Listnitsky, there. Despite the passage of time, his feelings for Aksinya are still alive, and he cannot forgive this man.

Grigory, along with the Red Guards, retreats from Kamenka to Glubokaya. In the morning, the White Guards occupied Glubokaya, causing a chaotic flight of the Cossacks. Thanks to the decisive actions of the “Reds,” including Grigory Melekhov and the machine gunner Anna, the Bolsheviks won. However, the end of the battle was marked by the bloody reprisal of the Reds against the captured White Guards on Podtyolkov’s order, which deeply shocked Grigory.

Chapter 13

During the battle on the approaches to Glubokaya, Grigory was wounded in the leg. After spending a week in the infirmary, he returned home. However, his father, Panteley, was extremely displeased that his son had defected to the Bolsheviks. Grigory tried to justify his actions, but his soul was still tormented by doubts: he could not forgive the Red Army soldiers for their cruel treatment of the prisoners.

Grigory was met at home by all members of the family. The Cossack noticed that his daughter Natasha “had blossomed and become prettier,” and for the first time after his injury, he held his grown-up children in his arms.

Chapters 14–15

The Red Guard consolidated its influence after the workers’ uprising in Taganrog. Learning that the Volunteer Army had retreated to the Kuban, Kaledin transferred power to the city council, resigned, and committed suicide.

Chapters 16–17

Stricken with typhus, Bunchuk was plunged into the darkness of unconsciousness for three long weeks. Only the caring hands of Anna, who did not leave his side for a moment, helped him pull through. The weakened Bunchuk was transported to Tsaritsyn, and then, when he was slightly stronger, to Voronezh. Here, their paths diverged: Anna, a passionate revolutionary, was sent to Lugansk for agitation, and Bunchuk was to serve on the blazing Southern Front.

Chapter 18

In the south, power ended up in the hands of General Nazarov. The mobilization he announced met with sullen resistance from the Cossacks, who did not want to fight. Active Bolshevik propaganda sowed the seeds of doubt in their hearts, and some regiments defected to the Reds’ side.

On February 9, Captain Chernov’s detachment entered Rostov. In its ranks was Yevgeny Listnitsky, tormented by longing for his native Yagodnoye, his father, and, of course, Aksinya.

Chapter 19

At the Kryvlyanskaya station, where Bunchuk fought side-by-side with the Red Guards, an important event occurred: the Bolsheviks arrested Nazarov, the head of the Cossack Krug.

Bunchuk is transferred to Sivers’ headquarters in Rostov, where he meets Anna, who offers him to stay at her place, as her close relatives live in the city.

Chapter 20

In March, Bunchuk is assigned to serve in the Revolutionary Tribunal. He has to oversee the executions of the “enemies of the revolution” every night. This greatly exhausts him, and Anna tries to persuade him to leave the position, but he assures her: “I am strong… Don’t think there are people made of iron. We are all cast from the same material… There is no one in life who wouldn’t be afraid in war, and no one who, while killing people, wouldn’t be morally disfigured.” Soon, murders and robberies begin in the city, and Bunchuk is returned to the Revkom (Revolutionary Committee) at his own request.

Chapter 21

A detachment of Red Guards stops in the Setrakov khutor. Drunk, the Bolsheviks start rioting. The Cossacks, quickly gathering a force, defeat the rampaging “Reds.”

With the arrival of April, the upper Don stanitsas were engulfed in the flame of unrest. The khutors, having broken away from the Donetsk district, proclaimed the formation of the Upper Don District under the leadership of General Alferov.

Chapters 22–23

The news of the defeats suffered by the “Reds” did not leave the Bolsheviks indifferent. Some of them, including Koshevoy and Valet, decided to leave the Tatar khutor. Grigory, Khristonya, and Ivan Alekseyevich remained, each guided by their own motives.

The continuous raids of the “Reds” on the Setrakovskaya stanitsa forced the Cossacks to gather on the maydan (square). To protect their homes and families, it was decided to form a combat detachment from experienced front-line soldiers and revive the Cossack self-government. The choice fell on Miron Korshunov, who was named Ataman, and the command of the detachment was entrusted to Pyotr Melekhov. The Cossacks readily joined the militia ranks, consoling themselves with the hope that it would not come to a big war.

Chapters 24–25

The Red Army was forced to retreat from Rostov. On the outskirts of one of the villages, Bunchuk and Anna awaited the approach of the Cossacks. Noticing the advancing enemy, Anna, despite Bunchuk’s attempts to stop her, led the soldiers after her. During the shootout, Anna was mortally wounded and died in Bunchuk’s arms.

Chapter 26

Anna’s death became a severe tragedy for Bunchuk: “he lived as if in a typhus delirium,” “feelings were temporarily atrophied in him: he didn’t want anything, he didn’t think about anything.”

In the south, under the onslaught of German troops, the “Reds” had to retreat through the Pripyať region.

Chapter 27

The closer the Red Guards advanced to the Don stanitsas, the more hostile and wary the local population met them. The soldiers noticed a Cossack patrol and began preparing to repel the attack.

Chapters 28–29

The Red Guards, surrounded by a dense ring of enemies, succumbed to Podtyolkov’s persuasions and laid down their arms. Exhausted and having lost hope, they were imprisoned in a barn on the outskirts of the Ponomarev khutor. The Cossacks, consumed by a thirst for revenge, unanimously decided to put the prisoners to death.

Chapter 30

With the first rays of the sun, Pyotr Melekhov’s detachment entered the khutor. The Cossacks, plotting a bloody reprisal, offered him to select several fighters to participate in the execution. Melekhov, his face darkened, flatly refused. But a Cossack was found in his sotnya, Mitka Korshunov, who was ready to take the sin upon his soul and participate in the execution.

The crowd, thirsting for blood, huddled around the barn. Grigory, driven by an ominous premonition, struggled through the sea of people and found himself next to Podtyolkov. The Red Guard commander, seeing Melekhov, bitterly tossed out: “What are you doing, Grigory, shooting your brothers? You’ve turned around, haven’t you… Serving both ours and yours? Whom will you give more to?” These words stung Melekhov like a whip. The episode of Podtyolkov himself coldly ordering the shooting of prisoners flashed through his memory.

Podtyolkov was the last to ascend the scaffold. Before the noose was put on, the Red commander threw out a phrase about the inevitable triumph of Soviet power throughout the Russian land. But the execution did not succeed on the first attempt: the condemned man’s feet touched the ground. The executioners had to hang him twice.

Chapter 31

The path of Valet and Mishka Koshevoy from the Karginskaya stanitsa was cut short near the Nizhne-Yablonovsky khutor, where the Cossacks caught up with them. Valet was hacked to death on the spot. Mishka, as a Cossack, was publicly punished with birch rods, but left alive. The next day, he was “sent to the front.” Valet was buried two days later. Soon, an old man came from the nearest khutor and, digging a small depression at the head of the grave, set up a small chapel there on a freshly cut oak base. Under its triangular canopy, the sorrowful face of the Mother of God glimmered in the semi-darkness.

Book Three

Part Six

Chapter 1

The spring of 1918 on the Don proved to be a time of steep changes. The Cossacks from the north, tired of the fratricidal war, were massively defecting to the Reds’ side. The “Nizovtsy” (lower Don Cossacks), not accepting such a choice, pushed them back with battles towards the borders of the region. By the end of April, the Don was cleared of Red Army soldiers, and the Cossacks decided to revive the Krug. The honor of representing the Tatar Khutor fell to Panteley Melekhov and Bogatyryov.

But the joy of victory was overshadowed by anxiety: the upper Don Cossacks fearfully awaited a German invasion. And not without reason—soon the enemy made its presence known. First, Miron Korshunov encountered them: the Germans tried to take his horses, but the Cossack fought them off. Then, Panteley Melekhov also had a meeting with the Germans. The German soldier, as if pointing the way, instructively spoke about the choice of power: “Remember, you need a rational power. President, Tsar—it doesn’t matter who, the main thing is that he thinks like a statesman and pursues a policy loyal to us.”

In the end, the choice fell on General Krasnov, who was proclaimed Ataman.

Chapters 2–3

The Germans controlled the Don as if it were their own home: “endless trains, loaded with flour, eggs, butter, and cattle, rolled from the Don through Ukraine directly to Germany.” Meanwhile, “at the border with Ukraine, young Cossacks clashed in battle with Petliura’s forces.”

The Cossack sotnya led by Pyotr Melekhov joined the ranks of the 22nd Regiment, and by the command of the authorities, the Cossacks followed closely on the heels of the retreating Reds. Along the way, Pyotr started a conversation with Grigory, trying to find out if he might switch to the Communists in case of anything. The younger brother confessed that he himself did not know the answer to this question. To this, Pyotr said bitterly: “Look, brother, how these fiends have split the people! As if they passed through with a plow: some—to one side, others—to the other, as if under a plowshare. Oh, a harsh hour, a terrible time!”

Koshevoy returned to his native Veshenskaya and got a job as an “atarshchik“—looking after horses.

Chapter 4

Opposition flares up on the Don: General Denikin leads a movement that openly criticizes Krasnov’s policy, which allowed the presence of German troops in the region.

Meanwhile, a “White” Eastern Front is emerging in the expanses of Russia, declaring its goal to be the struggle against both the Bolshevik regime and the German occupiers.

Chapter 5

During the difficult retreat of the Kornilov forces from Rostov to the Kuban, Yevgeny Listnitsky, fighting in the ranks of the White Guards, receives two wounds. Seeking refuge to recover, he stays in Novocherkassk with his friend Gorbatov, where his heart is captivated by his comrade’s wife, Olga Nikolayevna.

At the front, fate separated Listnitsky and Gorbatov by a terrible line. Yevgeny’s seriously wounded friend, dying, makes him promise to take care of Olga and marry her. Soon, Listnitsky himself is disabled—a shell fragment shattered his arm, which had to be amputated. This becomes a sign for Yevgeny—it’s time to say goodbye to military service. Olga, learning of the tragedy, comes to her beloved in the hospital herself. Soon after the wedding, the young couple leaves to start a new life in Yagodnoye.

Chapter 6

For exemplary service, Koshevoy was sent to the capital. Along the way, Mishka had an unexpected encounter—Stepan Astakhov, whom everyone in the khutor thought had died, stood before him. The changes in his appearance were striking. Stepan revealed that after being wounded, he was taken prisoner by the Germans, where he was nursed back to health. He lived in a foreign country for several years, but the longing for his homeland proved stronger, and he decided to return.

Chapter 7

Returning to his native Tatar village, Stepan visited his wife, Aksinushka. Astakhov learns about Aksinya’s life and convinces her to return home. The woman initially refuses, but after receiving her final payment from the Listnitskys, she comes to Stepan herself.

Chapters 8–9

Grigory leads his unit across the Don. After battles, the Cossacks were looting and plundering. Grigory forbade stealing from the defeated. This became known to the command, and suspecting Melekhov of sympathizing with the Bolsheviks, he was demoted to squad commander.

Panteley and Darya come to Grigory’s regiment. It turns out they had already visited Pyotr, where they received a significant share of the stolen goods, and expect the same “gifts” from the younger son. Learning about this, Grigory became angry and argued with his father. Panteley was very upset to learn of his son’s demotion to a private.

Chapter 10

The Cossack ranks are thinning, and Grigory voluntarily leaves his regiment, returning to his native home.

Chapters 11–12

Tension is rising in the Cossack units; people are increasingly hostile toward each other. Pyotr Melekhov understands that if he cannot win the trust of the rank-and-file Cossacks, they might deal with him, just as they did with other officers.

Red agitators freely penetrate the Cossack environment, but their propaganda remains incomprehensible to many. Unable to withstand the pressure, Pyotr goes home to the khutor.

Chapter 13

Returning home, Pyotr tells his family about the critical situation on the Northern Front and the inevitability of the Cossacks’ retreat. Discussing the situation, the Melekhovs decide to remain in Tatar.

Chapter 14

General Krasnov loses his position and the trust of the Cossacks.

Chapters 15–16

Red Army soldiers arrived in the village, and five of them stayed overnight at the Melekhov house. One of the guests behaved improperly: he shot the owners’ dog and then quarrelled with Grigory. The Red Commissar took the soldier away, promising to punish him for “unworthy Red Army behavior.” In the morning, the commander apologized to the Melekhovs for the soldiers’ actions and paid for their stay.

Chapter 17

Red Army detachments continued to pass through the village. To prevent the Bolsheviks from stealing the horses, Panteley deliberately injured their legs. One day, the Reds organized a party at Anikushka’s and invited the Cossacks. Recognizing Grigory as a White officer, the Reds decided to shoot him, but Grigory was warned in time and managed to escape across the Don.

Chapter 18

The Bolshevik power was established in the Tatar village. Ivan Alekseyevich was elected as the Red Ataman, and Koshevoy as his deputy. The Cossacks were forced to surrender their weapons.

Chapter 19

Ominous whispers about Red Tribunals, dispensing swift and cruel justice over the Cossacks, spread across the Don. The Melekhovs, with heavy hearts, surrendered their weapons, but old Panteley Prokofyevich could not resist and hid rifles and a machine gun. Meanwhile, rampant typhus struck Panteley down.

Chapters 20–21

Returning to his native khutor, Grigory went straight to Ivan Alekseyevich. The conversation between the two men quickly escalated into a heated argument about the nature of the Bolshevik regime. Grigory, seeing nothing but empty yards and bitter losses, fiercely denied its righteousness. “What have these Communists given to the simple Cossack, besides death and ruin? What the hell kind of equality?!” he seethed, rejecting his opponent’s arguments. Melekhov could not be convinced, and the conversation ended in heavy silence. Ivan Alekseyevich and Koshevoy, not hiding their anger, shouted after the departing Grigory: “You’ve become an outsider… An enemy of Soviet power!”

Chapter 22

Chekists (secret police) descended upon the Tatar khutor, sowing fear and death. A merciless reprisal against the undesirable—those branded as “enemies of the revolution”—began. A leaden rain of executions cut short many a Cossack life. Shtokman, who miraculously escaped from exile, unexpectedly reappeared.

Chapter 23

A Red bullet ended the life of Miron Korshunov. At the request of the grief-stricken Lukinichna, Pyotr, under the cover of night, along with a fellow Cossack, found Miron’s lifeless body and brought it to his family for a final farewell.

Chapter 24

The reins of the Revkom (Revolutionary Committee) passed into the rigid hands of Shtokman. On May 4, Ivan Alekseyevich gathered the Cossacks on the maydan to tell them about the laws of the Bolshevik power. Discontent grew among the khutor residents: the executions seemed like unwarranted cruelty, and they saw in the Communists’ policy a desire for their destruction. In a loud voice, Shtokman read out a list of “enemies of the revolution,” which included the Melekhov surname.

Chapter 25

News of Grigory’s return reached Shtokman, and without delay, he ordered Melekhov’s arrest. A thorough search was to be conducted at the fugitive’s house for any hidden weapons. But Grigory had vanished as if into water. Shtokman, along with Koshevoy, attempted to find Melekhov on the Singin, but all their efforts were futile.

Chapter 26 After recovering from typhus, Panteley was arrested by the Communists. Pyotr told Grigory about this event, advising his brother to hide in the Rybny khutor with relatives and tell everyone that Grigory was visiting his aunt on the Singin.

Chapter 27

Cossack uprisings flared up in the countryside. Koshevoy, scared by the unrest, left Veshenskaya and headed to the Tatar khutor. However, on the way, he was discovered by Antip Brekhovich, seriously wounded with a pitchfork, and left to die. Regaining consciousness, Koshevoy hid at Astakhov’s, and the next day, on his mother’s advice, left the khutor.

Chapter 28

Learning about the Cossack uprising, Grigory returns to the khutor to assess the situation. He was firmly resolved to support the Cossacks: “For a piece of bread, for a plot of land, for the right to life, people have always fought and will fight, as long as the sun shines on them, as long as warm blood flows through their veins.”

Chapter 29

Penetrating the territory of the Bolshoy khutor, which was still under Red control, Koshevoy walked straight into the hands of the Bolsheviks. Fortunately, Shtokman, who happened to be in the khutor at that moment, confirmed his affiliation with their side in time.

Chapters 30–31

Two hundred Cossacks were gathered in Tatar. Pyotr led the cavalry sotnya. Grigory led a group of Cossacks on a reconnaissance mission, during which they managed to capture the Red Army commander Likhachev. He stubbornly refused to accept the rebels’ terms and was killed.

Chapter 32

The flame of the uprising engulfed the entire Don, with battles already roaring on the approaches to Tatar.

Chapters 33–34

A Red Army detachment managed to break through into the rear of the rebel forces. Pyotr’s Cossacks hid in ravines, fearing the enemy. Koshevoy offered to release the rebels if they surrendered their weapons. However, when they came out of their cover, Koshevoy shot Pyotr, and the remaining Red Army soldiers were hacked to death with sabers.

Chapter 35

Grigory was appointed commander of the Veshensky Rebel Regiment. In early March, he led his men in an offensive, and the Red Army soldiers were forced to abandon their positions. The rebel regiment expanded its ranks. Grigory avenged his brother, ruthlessly dealing with captured Red Guards.

Chapters 36–37

The staff strongly recommended that Grigory take prisoners alive for interrogation. But Melekhov, confident in his own rightness, preferred to act on his own. Repeatedly demonstrating outstanding combat qualities, he himself led the Cossacks in attack. However, the burden of responsibility for their lives became heavier, and pity for the defeated enemies unexpectedly stirred in his soul.

Chapter 38

Arriving in Veshenskaya at Kudinov’s request, Grigory realized the bitter truth after a military council: behind the facade of false freedom, the rebellion was being led by the same White Guard generals. “Clever heads have confused us… They’ve confused God! They’ve bound life hand and foot and are doing their deeds with our own hands. Even in the small things—you can’t believe that either…” he thought bitterly.

Chapters 39–40

Late spring. A temporary lull settled on the battlefield, suspending military operations for several months. Fleeing from Tatar, Shtokman, Koshevoy, and Ivan Alekseyevich joined the 4th Zaamursky Regiment, and then, along with other Reds, headed towards the Krutovsky khutor through the Ust-Khopyorsky region.

Chapters 41–42

The Karginskaya stanitsa, serving as a stronghold for the rebels, was defended under Grigory’s leadership. According to Melekhov’s plan, the Cossacks managed to defeat the Red Army soldiers. The rebels had plenty of vodka, so the Cossacks’ days were spent in constant revelry, which weakened the army’s morale. Grigory began to be tormented by anxious thoughts; he felt satiated with life and a desire to die. He also started to indulge in alcohol and visiting women. Once, during a drunken spree, the Cossack Medvedev suggested that Grigory take Kudinov’s place, but Melekhov refused.

Chapter 43

War weariness was ingrained in the Cossacks’ bones, but they still desperately rushed into battle and vented their anger on the prisoners. Kudinov, as if mesmerized, wandered among the rebels, insisting that the spring plowing could wait, for the main thing now was the struggle.

Chapter 44

Near Klimovka, luck nearly abandoned Melekhov: only a lightning-fast reaction and a decisive order to turn the Cossacks to attack the Red machine gunners saved the situation. But Grigory’s nerves, stretched to the limit, gave way: “for the first time in his life, a terrible fit seized him,” forcing the Cossacks to resort to the extreme measure of tying up their commander.

Chapter 45

In Veshenskaya, Grigory was met with depressing stories from the Cossacks about the new authorities: self-proclaimed “liberators” were more brutal than the Communists, throwing old men and women into prison merely for being related to Red Army soldiers. The enraged Grigory, without hesitation, flung open the prison doors, granting freedom to all the inmates.

Chapter 46

When it was time to go to the field work, the Cossacks began to leave the front, preferring domestic affairs. Grigory returned to the khutor to sow his own and his mother-in-law’s land. During a conversation with Grandpa Grishaka, the old man explains to Grigory that the Cossacks do not understand the goal of their participation in the war, for “all power is from God,” so one should not fight it. Natalya reproaches her husband for his drunkenness and inappropriate behavior at the front, especially angered by his playful advances toward Darya. The spouses quarrel.

Chapter 47

The former Red Commissar Voronovsky, now a Tsarist army officer and commander of the Serdobsky Regiment, in which Shtokman, Koshevoy, and Ivan Alekseyevich serve, defects to the Cossacks’ side. Kudinov accepts the regiment and orders the Serdobsky soldiers to hand over the Communists, after which the prisoners are to be sent to Veshenskoye, where the local residents will enact lynch law. In case of disobedience, the soldiers were ordered to kill.

Chapter 48

On April 12, the 1st Moscow Regiment was brutally defeated in a battle with the rebels near the Antonov khutor of the Yelanskaya stanitsa. Poorly acquainted with the area, the Red Army units retreated to the khutor with a fight. During the battle, Ivan Alekseyevich was wounded in the leg. Shtokman notices that the Serdobtsy do not want to fight the Cossacks, and, suspecting that Voronovsky is agitating the fighters against the Communists, he sends Koshevoy with a report to the political department.

Chapter 49

Early in the morning, local residents gathered a meeting. When Shtokman began calling on the people to resist the White Guards, he was shot. Ivan Alekseyevich and other Communists were arrested.

Chapter 50

Grigory did not stay long in the khutor: a few days later, he was informed about the rebellion of the Serdobsky Regiment. Melekhov was about to leave for his Cossacks in Karginskaya, but near the river, he met Aksinya and decided to postpone his departure. Panteley, who saw them, was very angry, but could no longer reproach his son, as Grigory was now a general. In the evening, Aksinya, having given Darya a ring, asked her to call Grigory. Melekhov came to Aksinya at night.

Chapter 51

Returning home the next day, Grigory lied to Natalya that he had talked with Kudinov at night.

New Winds of Change

Leaving his native khutor, Grigory Melekhov heads to Karginskaya, where he takes command of the 1st Division. Soon he receives a message from Kudinov: the Serdobsky Regiment has defected to the Cossacks, and the Communists have been captured. This news excites Melekhov; he decides to free Koshevoy and Ivan Alekseyevich from captivity to get to the truth about Pyotr’s murder.

Chapters 52–53

An airplane with Bogatyrev on board lands at the Singin khutor, carrying joyful news: the Don Army is about to break through the front and unite with the Cossacks. Hope for a speedy end to the fratricidal war flares up with new force.

Chapter 54

The captured Red Army soldiers, handed over by the Serdobtsy, are escorted to Veshenskaya for trial. Among them is Ivan Alekseyevich. The journey is darkened by cruelty: the enraged residents of the khutors through which the mournful path passes do not restrain their anger and beat the prisoners.

Chapter 55

The Supreme Command of the rebellious Cossacks appeals to the Don Government for help. The authorities, realizing the importance of the moment, agree to cooperate, beginning the supply of weapons and the sending of reinforcements.

Chapter 56

The tortured Red Guard prisoners were brought to the Tatar stanitsa, where local residents surrounded them. Noticing Ivan Alekseyevich among the Communists, Darya, taking revenge for her husband, shot him with a rifle. Grigory was too late for the reprisal. Learning about Ivan Alekseyevich’s death, and also that Koshevoy and Shtokman were not among the prisoners, Melekhov went to the front.

Chapters 57–58

In May, the Reds began an active offensive against the rebels. Grigory was summoned to the Veshenskaya stanitsa for a meeting. Kudinov ordered Melekhov to break through the front independently. Grigory wrote Aksinya a letter asking her to accompany him.

Chapter 59

“On May 22, the retreat of the rebel forces began along the entire right bank of the Don. Units retreated, fighting and delaying at every line. The population of the steppe khutors moved in panic towards the Don.”

Chapter 60

News from Grigory and the Retreat Prokhor Zykov, like a messenger of fate, brought Aksinya a message from Grigory. Meanwhile, disturbing rumors spread through the khutor: the Reds were advancing, leaving behind the ashes of rich houses.

Chapter 61 News from the front was not encouraging: the river became the last line. Convinced that the civilians and wounded were safe on the other bank, Melekhov withdrew his Cossacks. As soon as he set foot on his native land, Grigory gave the order to fortify positions—there was nowhere left to retreat.

Chapter 62

Arriving in Veshenskaya, Aksinya found shelter with her aunt. But fate decided otherwise: by Grigory’s command, Prokhor Zykov found her to bring her to Melekhov. They spent two days in each other’s arms, forgetting everything in the world, as if in a magical dream.

Chapter 63

Grigory’s heart drew him to his native Tatar. Panteley Prokofyevich met his son with alarming news: Natalya had fallen ill with typhus, which is why he and Ilinichna had to stay. The elder Melekhov did not hide his anger: instead of being with his sick wife and children, Grigory had again plunged headlong into the abyss of passion with Aksinya.

Chapter 64

Kudinov reports to Melekhov that the White Guard forces are sending ammunition and hurrying to aid the rebels.

Chapter 65

Koshevoy, as part of the 33rd Kuban Division, follows Melekhov’s retreating Cossacks. Arriving in Tatar, Mishka finds no one at home. Heading to the Korshunovs’, he only meets Grandpa Grishaka. The old man begins to reproach Mishka for his defection to the Communists’ side. Enraged, Mishka kills the old man and burns him along with the house. Meeting Ilinichna, Koshevoy declares that he intends to woo Dunyashka, and if the girl is married off to another, he will take revenge. Mishka sets fire to several more houses and then heads back to the front.

Book Four

Part Seven

Chapter 1

After the Red victory in the Upper Don uprising, they were able to free up the Southern Front. This allowed the Don Army command to regroup their forces and form a “powerful striking group of regiments” near the Kamenskaya and Ust-Belokalitvenskaya stanitsas.

The Cossacks from the Tatar sotnya remained calm. However, Stepan was worried: “he learned from the khutor Cossacks or intuitively felt that Aksinya was meeting Grigory in Veshenskaya.” At Astakhov’s request, Aksinya came to the sotnya, but they felt uncomfortable together, so she left after a day.

Chapter 2

At night near the Maly Gromchonok khutor, the Reds crossed the Don and attacked the heavily inebriated Cossacks. The Bolsheviks’ momentum was only held back by their unfamiliarity with the terrain and the darkness. Melekhov, seeing the Cossacks flee, used the remaining group to start bringing people back to their positions; he managed to restore the front and defeat the Reds.

Chapter 3

The captured Red Army soldiers were first kept in a stable and then escorted to the stanitsa to be dealt with. However, one Bolshevik managed to escape: he pretended to be insane, and the Cossacks left him with an old woman, who noticed the soldier’s deception and released him to his own people in the morning.

Chapter 4

Natalya was gradually recovering from typhus. The Red Army soldiers, pursued by the Cossacks, hastily left the khutor. Soon, the rebels began returning to Tatar, and Panteley Prokofyevich was among them.

Chapter 5

On June 10, the Don Army cavalry “broke through the front near the Ust-Belokalitvenskaya stanitsa and moved in the direction of the Kazanskaya stanitsa.” On the banks of the Don, the Cossacks met the 9th Don Regiment and were initially glad for the allies. However, falling under the command of White officers, who directed them at their discretion, the rebels were disappointed: “The hell is no sweeter than the radish!”

Chapter 6

Arriving at Yagodnoye, Grigory found the estate desolate, looted, and lifeless. Only the old cook Lukerya, hiding from prying eyes, told him the sad news of the death of Sashka, the faithful groom. With a heavy heart, Melekhov buried the old man’s remains, finding him his final resting place next to his daughter’s grave.

Chapter 7

Veshenskaya was flooded with White officers led by General Sekretev. Their arrival was marked by a lavish banquet, where a growing tension was hidden beneath the alcoholic abundance. Intoxicated with wine and their own grandeur, the White officers did not mince words, reproaching the Cossacks for their disobedience. Kudinov, trying to please the guests, showered them with oaths of loyalty to the White Army. Grigory, observing this scene, bitterly understood that such flirting would not last long: the Whites would soon “howl at the Cossack will,” as they had already “forgotten how to bow deeply and appease the masters’ whims.”

Avoiding further participation in this hypocritical spectacle, Melekhov left the banquet and went to Aksinya. He found Stepan in her house. A heavy silence hung in the room, broken only by the clinking of glasses—the three men silently drank samogon (moonshine), each immersed in his own gloomy thoughts.

Chapter 8

Grigory had barely returned from Aksinya’s before Prokhor arrived at the Astakhovs’ house with an urgent assignment for him: General Sekretev demanded Melekhov’s presence. However, driven by some of his own considerations, Grigory decided not to rush the visit to the high-ranking guest, but to first visit his relatives.

Grigory strictly forbade Dunyashka from communicating with Koshevoy, Pyotr’s murderer. Melekhov, saying goodbye to his wife and children, “tormented by vague premonitions, oppressive anxiety, and melancholy,” left the khutor.

Chapters 9–10

Grigory is summoned to General Fitzkhlaurov. On the way to headquarters, Grigory, in a conversation with Kopylov, says that the White officers are too arrogant, causing discontent among the Cossacks. Kopylov, however, believes that the Whites’ attitude towards the rebels is fair, while Grigory’s views are very similar to the Bolsheviks’. “Half in jest, half seriously,” Melekhov remarks that if he defected to the Reds, he would be valued more there.

Fitzkhlaurov informed the Cossacks that their army would be incorporated into the Don Army. The General tried to impose his tactics on Melekhov, which led to a quarrel. Grigory, reserving the right to obey only Kudinov, left.

Chapter 11

General Fitzkhlaurov demanded decisive actions from Melekhov, but he flatly refused to lead his men to storm Ust-Medveditskaya, which had been captured by the Red Army soldiers. The Whites’ policy caused Grigory strong rejection, and the fratricidal war, in his conviction, had long lost all meaning. However, he was not going to defect to the Bolsheviks either, seeing no place for himself in either camp.

Chapter 12

To Tatar, like a bird of prey, flew Korshunov—an executioner serving in a punitive detachment. For his cruelty and lynchings of captured Red Army soldiers and deserters, Mitka received officer shoulder boards. Seeing the ashes on the site of his native house, Korshunov paid a brief visit to his relatives, and then, without delay, went to his khutor. Rumour, like a steppe fire, spread through the district: “Korshunov and his Kalmyks perpetrated a bloody massacre against Koshevoy’s family!” Learning of Mitka’s atrocities, Panteley Prokofyevich imposed a strict ban on his appearance in his house.

A group of “White” military personnel arrived in Tatar. Panteley was instructed to meet the officers and offer them the traditional bread and salt. Sidorin noted the local residents who distinguished themselves in the fight against the Bolsheviks: to Darya, for killing a Red Army soldier, he presented a medal on a St. George ribbon and a cash reward for her husband’s death.

Chapter 13

Life in the Melekhov family changed. Panteley was no longer the sole master, and relations among the relatives worsened. Melekhov understood that the main reason for what was happening was the destructive consequences of the war. Darya categorically refused to share the money received for her husband with the family.

One time, Darya, after another night out, confessed to Natalya that she had contracted a “bad disease”—syphilis. The woman, fearing condemnation from her fellow villagers, decides to commit suicide.

Chapter 14

Consumed by bitter resentment towards fate, Darya decided that she should not bear her grief alone. She told Natalya about the secret meetings between Grigory and Aksinya. The news struck Natalya, but, unfortunately for Darya, she understood what drove her to this act.

Chapter 15

The Don Army was pushing the Reds, pushing them skillfully and ruthlessly. Thanks to Melekhov’s talents, many Red Army soldiers were captured, and machine guns and ammunition wagons were recaptured.

Grigory, despite his desire to transfer to the rear, is promoted to sotnya commander. Soon Melekhov receives sad news from home and leaves on leave.

Chapter 16

The conversation with Darya plunged Natalya into a painful stupor, similar to a nightmare one tries in vain to wake up from. Searching for answers, she went to Prokhor’s wife, hoping to find out something about Grigory and Aksinya’s relationship, but, not getting what she wanted, she went to Astakhova herself. Aksinya, without hiding it, confirmed that Grigory was again under her spell, and this time she intended to keep him at any cost.

The next day, Natalya, fighting despair, told Ilinichna about Grigory’s resumed affair and her pregnancy, confessing her desire to get rid of the child. Without delay, Natalya went to the local midwife and returned only late in the evening, bleeding profusely. The feldsher (medical assistant), who arrived at Panteley’s request, gave a discouraging verdict: it was impossible to save Natalya, as the trauma inflicted on her female organs was too severe. By noon the next day, Natalya died.

Chapter 17

Grigory arrived at Natalya’s funeral after she had already been buried. Ilinichna informed him that Natalya decided on the abortion after learning about his relationship with Aksinya.

Chapter 18

Grigory deeply mourned his wife’s death. He blamed himself for her demise, realizing that he loved his children and Natalya. Grigory began to communicate more often with his son Mishatka and his other offspring.

It was time for Melekhov to return to the army.

Chapter 19

On his way to the front, Melekhov meets the sub-ensign Semak. He reported that the White Guards encouraged looting, robberies, and banditry in their ranks. Many Cossacks, unable to endure this, were deserting.

Grigory stopped for the night in a village near Balashovo, where he met a White officer and an Englishman. During the conversation, the drunken Englishman declared that he respected the Reds, because they were the people, and “the people cannot be defeated.”

Chapter 20

The Red Army soldiers started a large-scale offensive, striving to cover the entire front. The White Guards managed to break through the defense line and take control of Tambov. At this time, the Red forces, gradually losing the momentum of the initial push, moved towards the Khopyor and the Don.

Chapter 21

Only a week and a half passed since Grigory went to the front before Darya decided to commit suicide by drowning herself in the waters of the Don. Soon, rumors reached Ilinichna that Aksinya had started inviting Mishatka over, treating him to goodies and asking about Grigory. The enraged Melekhova forbade her son from going to Astakhova’s, and upon meeting her, she flung words in her face that Aksinya would never become Grigory’s wife.

In the last days of August, Panteley, along with the other able-bodied men of the khutor, was mobilized to the front. However, a few days later, Panteley Melekhov returned home, having deserted. A punitive detachment arrived on his trail, and the Kalmyks arrested the old man, sending him to be tried in Karginskaya.

Chapter 22

Panteley, as Grigory’s father, only paid for his son with the punishment of becoming an uryadnik (Cossack police officer). Sensing the approach of the Reds, the Melekhovs left Tatar.

Chapter 23

On September 18, under the crossfire of the Reds, the last sotnya of Cossacks was leaving Veshenskaya. Rumors spread among the Cossacks that the Bolsheviks were not looting or burning houses, and that they were generously paying for products requisitioned from the population.

Chapter 24

The Melekhovs spent two and a half weeks in the Latyshevo khutor. As soon as news of the Reds’ retreat from the Don arrived, the family returned home. Through an acquaintance feldsher in the stanitsa, Panteley secured his release from service and became completely absorbed in household chores. The murdered Anikushka and Khristonya were brought to the khutor, and soon after, Grigory, who had collapsed with typhus, was brought there too.

Chapter 25

November was already past the second half when Grigory was finally able to get out of bed. The illness had receded. Stepping uncertainly, he wandered through the yard, as if rediscovering the familiar world. Suddenly, he was drawn to the farm, he completely immersed himself in children’s games, but as soon as the conversation turned to war or his mother, Grigory grew gloomy and fell silent.

Soon, Melekhov was called for a medical re-examination. Preparing to retreat with the other Cossacks, he visited Aksinya. “Will you come with me?” Grigory asked hopefully. Astakhova agreed without hesitation.

Chapter 26

The entire Upper Don abandoned their homes and moved south. At every stop, Grigory tried to find news about his relatives, who joined the retreat later. The difficult journey did not spare Aksinya—the woman fell ill with typhus. She had to be left in the care of compassionate stanitsa residents in one of the villages.

Chapter 27

Days filled with grayness and inconsolability followed one another. After parting with Aksinya, Grigory lost all interest in the outside world. The war was approaching its inevitable end. The Don Cossacks were broken. Grigory returns to the Belaya Glina khutor, where he learns of the death of his father Panteley from typhus. After burying his parent, Melekhov himself contracts relapsing typhus, and Prokhor takes him to the Kuban.

Chapters 28–29

On the way, Grigory and Prokhor are overtaken by loyal Cossack friends, who help deliver the sick Melekhov to a doctor in Yekaterinodar. Soon, Grigory’s health begins to improve.

In Novorossiysk, people were hastily evacuating on steamships to Turkey. The families of landowners, White Guard generals, and wealthy citizens were leaving first. Overwhelmed with despair, those who failed to board the ships committed suicide right on the pier. Grigory realizes that he will not be able to leave the country, and calmly awaits the Bolshevik advance.

Before Melekhov’s eyes, the capital of the Kuban—Novorossiysk—was captured by the Reds.

Part Eight

Chapter 1

After recovering, Aksinya returned to her native Tatar khutor. The residents began discussing Grigory’s fate, and this brought Aksinya and Ilinichna closer—they began to communicate and visit each other more often. Soon, news arrived that Stepan had left for Crimea, and Prokhor reported that Grigory had joined the ranks of the Red Army.

Chapter 2

Mishka Koshevoy returns to Tatar. Ilinichna greeted him coldly, but Dunyashka stood up for her beloved. Over time, Koshevoy began to help the women with household chores, and a “panging maternal pity” awoke in Ilinichna’s soul towards him.

Chapter 3

Despite Ilinichna’s resistance, Dunyasha and Mishka’s wedding finally took place. The woman had to yield after her daughter threatened to leave with her beloved. The ceremony was modest and quiet. Koshevoy proved to be a skillful master, but Ilinichna had difficulty accepting a stranger in the house, feeling useless and only awaiting Grigory’s return. But she was not destined to wait for her son—soon the woman fell seriously ill and died without ever seeing him. Grigory’s children were taken in by Aksinya.

Chapter 4

Koshevoy quickly became disappointed with rural household chores, increasingly feeling that he had rushed the move to the khutor. Mishka was also concerned that the White Guards who had defected to the Reds were not held accountable for their crimes against the Bolsheviks. In his opinion, the Cheka (secret police) should still deal with them. Mishka is appointed chairman of the local Revkom.

Chapter 5

Discontent with the Soviet regime was brewing in the khutor communities: people lived in extreme poverty. Dunyashka tried to discuss the new government with her husband, but Mishka accused her of counter-revolutionary sentiments. When Dunyashka asked what awaited Grigory for serving the Whites, Mishka replied that he could be executed.

Chapter 6

Grigory returned to Tatar. Mishka met him coldly, but the Koshevoys set the table and invited Prokhor and Aksinya to celebrate the Cossack’s return.

After the guests left, Mishka told Grigory that he considered him an enemy because he might switch back to the Whites’ side. Koshevoy decided to move to his own khata (house) and demanded that Grigory immediately register with the Revkom.

Chapter 7

Death of the Listnitskys and Alarming News

Prokhor told Grigory the sad news: old Listnitsky fell victim to raging typhus, and Yevgeny, unable to bear his wife’s infidelity, committed suicide with a revolver shot. The Cossack also reported on a rebellion that had flared up nearby and expressed concerns for Melekhov: he might be accused of incitement. After heavy reflection, Grigory decides to go through all the bureaucratic circles in the Revkom.

Chapters 8–9

Returning from Veshenskaya, Grigory went to the khutor Revkom, presented Koshevoy with his military documents with military commissariat stamps, and, without saying a word of farewell, left. He moved in with Aksinya, taking his children and modest belongings with him. Tormenting uncertainty gave Melekhov no peace; family idyll remained an unattainable dream. At night, like a messenger of impending trouble, Dunyashka rushed to them with a warning of the impending arrest. Grigory, without wasting a minute, packed up and disappeared into the night.

Chapter 10

In response to the Soviet regime’s actions, ferment arose among the Cossacks; armed Cossack detachments appeared, dissatisfied with the prodrazvyorstka (food requisitioning) policy. The leader of the rebellion in the Veshenskaya area became Grigory’s former friend, Yakov Fomin.

Chapter 11

For some time, Melekhov lived with an acquaintance Cossack and Aksinya’s relative, and then planned to go to Yagodnoye. On the way, he was met by Fomin’s men, and he joined Yakov’s gang.

Chapter 12

Fomin tried to win the Cossacks over to his side, but the people, tired of the war and hungry, refused to support his detachment. Seeing the people’s detachment, Fomin began to threaten the khutor residents.

Chapter 13

Melekhov disliked that Fomin’s men engaged in robbery. Yakov’s gang comes under Red fire, after which Melekhov is fully convinced of Fomin’s incompetence as a leader.

Chapter 14

Hiding on a wooded island amidst the waters of the Don, Fomin’s followers indulge in idleness, awaiting the start of active hostilities. Yakov’s closest associate, Kaparin, suggests that Melekhov eliminate Fomin and the other gang members, and then surrender to the Red Guards. Grigory rejects this proposal, but disarms Kaparin just in case. However, at night the “Fomintsy,” learning about this, kill Kaparin in his sleep.

Chapters 15–16

In late April, the “Fomintsy” (Fomin’s men) cross the Don. They decide to join the famous Maslak gang, and more and more Cossacks join them. Despite Fomin’s claims about continuing the struggle for the happiness of the working people, in reality, they are only engaged in looting. Grigory decides to leave the gang and secretly departs during the night.

Chapter 17

Secretly, like a thief, Grigory sneaks into his native khutor to Aksinya with a bold proposal—to flee with him to the Kuban. And the woman, consumed by passion, agreed, leaving the children in Dunyashka’s care. But fate decided otherwise. A checkpoint overtook them near Chir. Understanding the danger, Melekhov told Aksinya to turn back. Shots rang out, and a fatal bullet struck the woman. In the forest, where the desperate Grigory brought her, Aksinya died in his arms without ever regaining consciousness.

Chapter 18

Like a sun-scorched steppe, Grigory’s life turned black, leaving behind only the ashes of loss. Everything that was dear to his heart—his children, Aksinya, his loved ones—turned into agonizing ghosts of memory. For several days, he aimlessly wandered the boundless steppe until he joined some deserters, becoming one of them.

In the spring, Grigory, unable to bear the weight of loss, returns to his native khutor, where he learns of the death of his daughter from scarlet fever. Standing at the gate of the house, he holds his son in his arms—the only thread connecting him to the earth and this vast world, shining under the cold sun.

And what is the result?

Grigory Melekhov – after several months of wandering in the forest with deserters, returns to his native khutor in the spring of 1920.

Natalya – dies after a failed attempt at an abortion in the summer of 1919.

Aksinya – killed by a gunshot while trying to leave the khutor with Grigory.

Stepan Astakhov – leaves permanently for Crimea.

Panteley Prokofyevich Melekhov – dies of typhus somewhere in Stavropolye at the end of 1919.

Vasilisa Ilinichna Melekhova — leaves this world on a summer day in 1920.

Pyotr Melekhov — tragically dies at the hand of the Bolshevik Mishka Koshevoy in March 1919.

Darya Melekhova — commits a sad act of suicide, drowning herself in the waters of the Don in the summer of 1919.

Dunyasha — continues her life in the khutor with her husband.

Miron Korshunov — arrested and executed by the Bolsheviks in February 1919.

Grandpa Grishaka — fell victim to murder committed by the Bolshevik Mishka Koshevoy in 1919.

Yevgeny Listnitsky — committed suicide in Yekaterinodar, unable to endure his wife’s betrayal.

Nikolay Alekseyevich Listnitsky — died of typhus in Morozovskaya.

Mishka Koshevoy — continues to reside in the khutor with Dunyasha, faithfully serving the Soviet regime.

Sergey Platonovich Mokhov and his family — forced to retreat across the Donets River, having escaped death during a fire.

Conclusion

The novel And Quiet Flows the Don by Mikhail Sholokhov provides the reader with a comprehensive picture of the world, covering the fates of people from different social strata. In the work, the author explores the problem of personality formation during a critical historical period, touching upon issues of love and betrayal, family happiness, friendship, parent-child relationships, and also revealing the themes of war, morality, and duty.

This outstanding novel has been translated into many languages, and in 1965, Sholokhov was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for And Quiet Flows the Don.

A brief outline of the plot of And Quiet Flows the Don will be of interest to all connoisseurs of Russian literature who wish to quickly refresh their memory of the main storylines of this work.