The novel takes place in a country that has formally freed itself from colonial oppression, but is actually dependent on monopoly capital.

An atomic explosion has occurred. War or accident? We don't know this. We see people who are accustomed to living according to wolf laws, opposing each other, indifferent to the fate of humanity.

The novel exposes the inhumane essence of imperialism, its policies and ideology, and calls for the unity of all democratic forces in the struggle for peace.