The book by L. I. Solzhenitsyn “A grain fell between two millstones” (volume 29 of the Collected Works) is a continuation of his first memoir prose “A calf butted with an oak tree” (volume 28). During the years of exile (1974-1994), the writer had to confront both the communist system and the worst components of Western civilization - a perverted understanding of freedom, democracy, human rights and responsibilities, caused by the departure of a large part of society from spiritual values. But the two “millstones” did not grind the “grain”. The artist remained an artist, and therefore the sketches of exile turned out to be sketches of literary life - both in a bitterly ironic sense, and in a direct and lofty sense: the story of the creation of the “Red Wheel” is revealed to us. Literature here is inseparable from life, and difficult trials are inseparable from the joyful acceptance of the world. That’s why the essays describe a happy family life in detail, that’s why it says with equal force “on the wrong side and spring is not beautiful” and with admiration! - “how diverse the Earth is”, that’s why portraits are so important - close friends and charming people who were met only once, but aroused an unforgettable affection. The palette of the book is extremely colorful, but literally every episode of it is illuminated by Solzhenitsyn’s main passion - love for Russia, concern about its fate.