The author explores the history of the region through the eyes of three generations of a family who have lived there for centuries. The main characters are the pioneers of the North, who have been forced to adapt to the harsh climate and the challenges of the territory, while maintaining their cultural identity and traditions. The book begins with the arrival of the first Russian settlers in the North, who were attracted by the abundance of natural resources and the opportunity to establish new settlements. However, they soon realized that the harsh climate and the lack of infrastructure made it difficult for them to survive. Despite these challenges, they managed to build a community based on mutual aid and cooperation, which became the foundation of the modern-day city of Arkhangelsk. Over time, the settlers developed new technologies and techniques to adapt to the environment, such as building wooden houses and using local materials to construct them. They also had to learn how to hunt and fish in the area, as well as how to navigate the treacherous waters of the White Sea.

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