Milkweed

Misha works on the farm and is tied to the stable post in the barn every night. Elzbieta, the farmer’s wife, tells Misha that he must not run away or that the farmer and her will both be killed and fed to the pigs. Misha continues to work, living alongside the donkey and mice. One day, a man with a horse and cart comes by the farm and says something to the farmer. That night, Misha overhears the farmer shouting in the house; later, Elzbieta sneaks him bread and tells him to run.

Misha realizes that the war is over and that he has been on the farm for three years. Misha continues to follow the tracks, though this time, thousands of Jewish people walk alongside him. Carnivals and markets spring up alongside the railroad, filled with people selling things. A man sells tickets to see the body of Hitler in a tent. Misha sneaks inside the tent and sees a skeleton, its feet stuck in boots and its skull half-covered by a helmet.

Misha sees an orange for the first time in his life. He watches hucksters attempt to sell their wares. Misha walks the tracks and roads, offering services to farmers in exchange for

Unlock all 114 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App

+ Printable PDF

+ Literary AI Tools

Unlock Full Library