Ivan Shmелёв’s novel, written in the form of a сказ (tale), is an unassuming account by the old nanny Darya Stepanovna about life before and after the revolution. Devoted in soul and body to her charge, Katicḫa, she goes through all hardships with her: the collapse of the familiar way of life, exile, wandering across different countries and continents—while keeping in her heart a simple faith and a moral core.