In the novel “Keys to Happiness,” an engaging and dramatic story of the main heroine’s love unfolds—based, as one may assume, on certain facts from the author’s biography: one of the most popular Russian writers of the early century, Anastasia Alekseyevna Verbitskaya (1861–1928).
Before the reader appear full of romantic feeling pictures of the girl Mani Yeltsova’s childhood and youth from an unwell-off family. Her love is pursued by such remarkable personalities as the wealthy baron Steinbach and the brilliant young man Nikolai Nelyudov (Nelidov). A heroine capable of the deepest feelings for a long time can’t bring herself to choose—until life itself decides for her…
“Keys to Happiness” is one of A. Verbitskaya’s best-known works. It was undeservedly forgotten in its time. Published today, it will undoubtedly arouse interest among a wide circle of readers.