M L Greer

Thrice Blest M L Greer

This historical fiction novel was inspired by an appreciation for those, particularly immigrants, who lived through the extraordinary times of the last century. Many of their descendants have felt blessed, largely because of the lives lived and the momentous decisions taken by those who went before. At the turn of the twentieth century, in a village on a tributary of the Dniester River, Ukrainian people struggled against poverty, oppression, and persistent efforts to obliterate their identity, language, culture, and religion. Through these trials and tribulations, their unwavering faith sustains them. By tradition, Yuriy Martiniuk's small plot of land is destined to be divided among his five sons. It cannot possibly sustain future generations. Many Ukrainian peasants find themselves in a similar situation and there is a growing trend to seek a better life through emigration. Yuriy worries that he is too old to emigrate, while his wife, Anna, is desperately opposed to the plan. Conscription, marriage, and emigration separate the family and scatter it across three continents. Two brothers remained in Galicia, one immigrates to Misiones, Argentina, and the remainder of the family immigrates to Saskatchewan, on the Canadian Prairies. Their lives are played out against the backdrop of the momentous events of the twentieth century, including two world wars, a worldwide economic depression, and political uncertainties. Hard work, perseverance, and faith reward all three branches of the family and future generations testify to having been thrice blest.