what was life like in Nebreska?

Life in Nebraska is tough, even for a family well settled like Jim's. For recent immigrants like the Shimerdas, it can be hell. The Shimerdas are not doing very well in their new country, but they do become friends with two Russian men, Peter and Pavel. The Burdens try to help out as much as they can. The Shimerdas family is not used to the harshness of climate and landscape. In the middle of the biggest snowstorm in ten years, Mr. Shimerda shoots himself after arranging himself neatly in the barn.