Sergei Nuriev is a young author, but his novel “Don’t Turn Idols” can easily be placed on the same shelf with “The Golden Calf” by Ilf and Petrov. A young, charming adventurer of the 90s, Potap Mamai, found the one hundred and first method of relatively fair taking of money from the state. Together with his partner, a poor Ethiopian student, he sets out in search of a huge gold bar disguised as a monument to the leader. But finding it is not so easy when even in the most remote town the number of monuments per capita exceeds all sanitary standards. All the absurdities of modern Russian life stand in the way of the Heroes to instant enrichment. The writer bashfully apologizes for the absence of murders in the novel. True, those looking for “coolness” will be pleased with two attempted murders, one poisoning, two minor wounds and one erotic scene. Nureyev successfully compensates for the lack of bloodthirstiness with the presence of cheerful heroes and no less funny comments about their adventurous adventures.

Ostap Bender, as you know, did not make it to Rio de Janeiro. The millionaire was robbed by Romanian border guards, and he had to retrain as a house manager. However, the work of the great schemer did not die. Yes, gold has amazing properties. In addition to the fact that it shines and does not rust, it doubles and triples our strength, mobilizes mental potential and develops imagination. Possessing almost everyone, gold allows only a few to possess itself. After just some 70 years, a man appeared in his native lands who found the one hundred and first way to take money relatively honestly. Once upon a time, Potap Mamai was a completely ordinary citizen. He lived, worked and studied, as the great Lenin bequeathed. All this continued until one secret piece of paper fell into the hands of Mamai. Having learned that a huge ingot (or even a block) of the most wonderful metal is hidden in a certain provincial town, a handsome adventurer goes on a “creative business trip”. Together with his partner - a poor Ethiopian - he puts together a whole team of assistants who do not even suspect the true purpose of their activities . And then it began...