As a Jew living in Kishinev, Russia, in 1903, Rachel has seen a lot of dark times. She doesn't want the society standard life of a mother and wife. She would much rather be a writer. When her Christian friend Mikhail is murdered, everything turns on the Jews--the Christian community becomes outspokenly violent and anti-Semitic. Only her friendship with and growing love for Sergei, a Christian, keeps Rachel's hopes alive.
