Stones Sing

In an alternate reality of Alexandra Shalashova’s new novel, the Soviet Union didn’t fall apart, but its signs are not very noticeable to the heroes—they are going through a deep internal crisis and are immersed in memories of a catastrophe that happened to them in the past. However, the line between “remember” and “forget” in this world is blurry and conditional: anyone can be affected by the Reader—a neuro-correction device—and end up being forgotten by everyone.

At the center is the story of a complicated, painful relationship between a teacher and a student. The teacher promises Lesha a new life outside the children’s home—and creates a community of children united by ideas of freedom and universal equality beyond the state. Lesha becomes deeply and sincerely attached to his teacher until one day the teacher commits betrayal. It seems only the Reader can help him forget the betrayal. But what if the machine malfunctions—and it becomes impossible to part with the past forever?

The hero faces a difficult choice: stay an ordinary person or continue his teacher’s path. The Reader, seeing his inner book as if it were wide open, allows him to make this choice.