“Darkness at Noon” is the second book of the tetralogy, continuing the fates of the heroes of “The Crossroads.” Some of them are at the front; most end up in occupation. The author describes life under occupation without ideological clichés, based on his own experience. The emergence and activities of a youth underground are considered from the standpoint of the heroes’ moral necessity, but its destruction is inevitable. Military actions, in particular the Battle of Kursk, are depicted vividly, with great artistic power.