This is the first novel by a famous American writer of Russian origin. Its main theme - man against the state, personal happiness against the public good - is masterfully carried out through the background of dramatic events in the life of Petrograd-Leningrad in the early 20s. The author, without any condescension towards his heroes, tells us about that troubled period of our history. A former aristocrat, in his zeal for office, betrays his friends and relatives before the new regime. The hero of the Civil War, after all his victories, betrays the cause of the party. The main character's love for the son of the executed admiral leads to a love affair with a GPU employee. The knot of problems tightens.