The story takes place in one of the Russian provincial towns in 1937, where, just like everywhere else, the all-powerful organs of the NKVD run and control life. In “Imaginary Values,” the true worth of human morality is revealed. The novel touches on fundamental meanings of existence: the problems of personal freedom, morality and permissiveness, good and evil. The plot is wrapped in a mystery that sharpens the characters’ relationships and their actions—and in the end, brings…