The stories of Irina Bebneva (and “The Science of Tender Passion” is a collection of short stories) rarely leave anyone indifferent. I want to read these texts and return to them, because they are bitter, and painful, and ironic, and slightly mocking. “... this is a GENUINE thing. Alive. HUMAN thing. Not a sketch, but a full-fledged canvas. Doesn’t let go, doesn’t allow you to glance away and calmly move on. No, it doesn’t let go...” (Njord’s Daughter) “Wonderfully written! Wise, bitterly ironic, and very accurate.” (Jan Brustein) “In my opinion, it’s more difficult to write miniatures than stories - everything needs to be done quickly and accurately, on the edge of a needle, but at the same time so that it’s not a trifle, but the real thing...” (Margarita Shmerling) You will plunge into everyday life the most ordinary people. The author does not moralize, does not “load” you with responsibility. Why does there remain some nagging note of one’s own guilt for what is happening? Perhaps because the author loves his heroes. And he writes with his heart. And one more thing: this is the prose of a poet. And you can feel it.