Chapter 1, pgs. 3-23 Summary

The book opens in the fall of 1981, in the small village of Bukowo. It is the home of Janko Buk, who is the leader of an agricultural policy protest movement. The Communist government agrees to hold discussions with the protesters in Bukowo. It is the location of the famous Bukowski palace where many Party dignitaries vacationed or met for meetings.

The Communist Party, including Minister of Agriculture, Szymon Bukowski, officials arrive at the palace. Since the protests threatened the nation's food supply, it was his job to deal with the situation, and he was determined to defeat the protesters and Janko Buk. Janko Buk and three other farmers also arrive at the palace for the meetings. The meeting begins with Buk and Bykowski finding they have a common ancestor. The farmers explain their complaints. They receive low prices for...