Part 2: Chapter 7 Train to the Urals Summary

In the early spring, Yuri and his family leave Moscow for Varykino on a train. They have no idea what to expect there and have only a shred of hope that the townspeople will remember Yuri's father, who had once owned a factory in the town, forestland around it, and an estate. Yuri gives his medical services to a well-connected family and receives credits for food and goods from a central distribution center in return. While waiting for train passage, the family gathers together items to sell or use for barter along the journey and once in Varykino.

At last on the train and heading toward Varykino, the Zhivagos travel in a cramped boxcar along with a mixture of professionals, conscripted workers and peasants. When the train stops, the passengers go behind the...