In this book M. Gogolev remains faithful to his theme—the fate of a state in a complex, painful time of changing social formations and the usual way of life. What is defining for the prose is interest in the fates of ordinary people. The content of this book can’t help but move any reader who cares about what happens in our country, because the author’s heart is likewise concerned about the people around him—all of us. Yes, reading requires work of the soul, but that is always the case when you read strict and honest books. In addition, the book includes memorable stories and sketches about nature and its inhabitants.