Nikolai Dezhnev finished the first edition of his novel in 1980, after which he did not return to it for a long time - he wrote stories, short stories, and plays. In 1992, he rewrote it almost from scratch - only one character was included in the final version. The heroes of the novel have chosen different paths in life: Yevsey surrenders himself to the will of fate, Serpina seeks honors and gold in the service of a certain Department of Dark Forces, and Luka does everything to hasten the triumph of Good on Earth. Heroes are eternal and their argument is eternal - how to live? The most significant, turning points in Russian history become the arena of their confrontation. And only one force can tip the scales in one direction or another - Love.

Chicago Tribune, November 22, 1999 “The novel entertains and brings a joyful mood like no other book in many years.”

Herald Sun, March 5, 2000 “The author is not afraid to tell a complex story, touching on difficult issues with humor. The result is a whimsical tale full of wit and heartwarming revelations. You read a novel with a pencil in your hand.”

Publishers Weekly, September 27, 1999 “The brilliant Russian satire, translated into English and a dozen other languages, makes its author a prominent figure in the international literary world.”

Los Angeles Times, December 12, 1999 “This book is a mosaic of elements of philosophy, politics and surrealism. In it, a devil in human form drinks with a physics professor and slips him a life-changing formula."

Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 1999 "A fairy-tale romance - in the truest sense of the word - between a Russian woman and a fallen an angel. The book is witty, well-structured and does not leave you indifferent.”