A diary novel that takes the reader on a journey from the Soviet Union to modern Russia. Literary chronicle, in the spirit of everyday writers - from Dovlatov to Bukowski. The main character is a middle-aged journalist, misanthrope and spontaneous philosopher - the missing link between the world of metropolitan pomp and the ordinary population. In an attempt to be the only one, he becomes like everyone else. The bet on internal emigration is failing. The last exam is the right to be called a citizen and a father.