Summary

Chapter 50 introduces Semyanov, an army driver who had been captured by the Germans. They had released him due to his likely imminent death by starvation. Semyanov had crawled to a nearby village where he was taken in Khrista Chunyak. Semyonov lives in the village under constant fear of the Germans. Semyanov, Khrista, and another old man compare life in the village under the Germans to how it was during collectivization, during which Khrista’s relations die of starvation.

Chapter 51 describes the increasing reputation and recognition of Viktor’s scientific work. The attention that he receives encourages his arrogance and confidence to the point where he feels comfortable calling Shishakov, the director of the institute, at his home. On the phone, Shishakov’s wife tells him to call at his office, which is deflating for Viktor. Later Viktor tries to share the...