A novel where the bitter fury of a realist writer is hidden under external sentimentality, for which the imperfection of human nature and the darkness of the human soul are not news - and still cause rejection. Friendship and betrayal, love and hate, the confrontation of minions and stepsons of fate - these are just a few storylines of this truly comprehensive, epoch-making novel, where the history of the country and era is reflected in the history of a small town.