Khrystia, a peasant woman from a provincial village, decided to leave for the city in search of a better life. But, having not found there either a better life or happiness, she perishes ...
Herasym Kalytka, dreams of hundred thousand rubles to buy as much as possible land. For this purpose he decides to buy notes from the forger. But the forger palmed off to the Kalytka blank papaers instead of banknotes.
A group of peasant farmers in turn-of-the-century Ukraine leaves home in search of better luck in Siberia. The story follows those who stay behind and their dispute with the landowner, as well as a love triangle involving a local beauty and two young men.