Part I, Chapter 24, Transfer Summary and Analysis

In Part I, Chapter 24, when Ginzburg leaves, Lydia prays that God will give her the strength not to end her own life. Ira is also being transferred. Two other old friends of Ginzburg's from university, Julia Karepova, a biologist, and Rimma Faridova, a historian, are also to be transferred. Their arrests and transfers are meant to fill quotas for types of enemies of the state; they are to be charged specifically with political terrorism. Rimma has been treated well so far because she has cooperated with the Communists every step of the way, even to the point of signing false confessions.

As the transfer occurs, Ginzburg and the others see that Tsarevsky is among those overseeing their transfer. Moving through town, Ira convinces him to use her money to purchase strawberries for herself, Ginzburg, and...