In 1956, during the Soviet “Khrushchev Thaw,” while major cities were planning a bright communist future, in remote places people continued to fight for survival in the face of hunger, cold, and everyday difficulties. In one village of the Vologda region, a little Nina left without a father was forced to grow up early. Every day for her was a test of endurance and courage, because she was trying to protect her family from hardships that were moving closer.
At the same time, across the vast steppe of Kazakhstan, a boy named Vitya—whose dreams of a heroic and brave life were shattered by an accidental event—found himself facing a difficult choice between hard work as an auto mechanic and dangerous temptations of the criminal world. Surrender or fight? Accept circumstances or strive for one’s own bright future?