French writer Francois Mauriac is one of the most prominent figures in the literature of the 20th century. A Nobel Prize winner, he created his own special, Mauriacian, type of novel. Continuing the tradition established by O. de Balzac and E. Zola, Mauriac explores the subtlest nuances of human psychology. In the center of the narrative of most of his works are relationships within the family. Life constantly tests Mauriac's heroes for strength, and few of them withstand these tests with honor. In the novel "The Teenager of Old Times" a young man from a wealthy family tries to get out of the bonds that entangled his domineering mother, spiritual mentor, public opinion... But Every year this becomes more and more difficult to do. And gradually the young man calms down and begins to give up.