Viktor Klyucharyov is slightly over thirty, but he has already become a popular man, got married successfully, and gave birth to two children. However, a happy marriage is only externally successful. Victor leads a double life - it turns out that love alone is not enough for happiness. And even two loves... Valechka Chekina adored Balzac's novels since childhood, fell in love suddenly and every time - forever. Having been married twice, she, like Madame Bovary, continued to search for the male ideal. Along the way, hurting those who truly loved her... Makanin in the stories “Provincial” and “Provincial” makes you think about the ancient and harsh nature of human feelings. Shows the amazing destinies and even more amazing characters of people who are sinful and vulnerable, but beautiful. At first you condemn them, and then suddenly you are imbued with incredible sympathy and understanding.