Ilya Erenburg, one of the most controversial figures in Soviet literature and public life, appears in this book not only as an excellent prose writer, a subtle poet and a brilliant publicist, but above all as a person experiencing drama, putting his talent at the service of the Stalinist regime and doing much is contrary to this regime. The author's reflections on the life and work of Ehrenburg are interspersed with memories of meetings and confidential conversations with him.