In late 1800's Bukovina (modern day Ukraine), the Laufler family lives in wealth as the patriarch of the family is mr. Epaminondas Laufler, an imperial forestry councillor in the Austro-Hungarian empire. Both he and his wife (named in the book mrs. councilloress) fawn over their son, and plan on funding his education at law school. For their three daughters, however, their plans are only a favorable marriages. Here we meet our main character - Olena. Intelligent, principled and ambitious, Olena seems to be at odds with everything her world forces on her. Parents who view her interests as mere distractions, men who view her as a prize to be won, and a society that simply doesn't care. Conflict is inevitable, but when hardships fall like hammer blows on Olenas family, what will she choose? Will she give up her beliefs for the benefit of her family or steadfastly face the consequences of keeping to her creed? 

More than 100 years old, "Human", one of Olha kobylianskas earliest Ukrainian language novels, is a poignant, deeply emotional analysis of the relationship between doctrine, gender and duty. As fresh and relevant now as in 1900, "Human" surprises not only with Olhas nuanced view on complex societal and interpersonal issue, but also by her mastery of language. Olha Kobylianska uses vivid, lyrical descriptions of both human feelings and the natural world to paint a clear picture of her vision in ones mind.