“It began with Khodynka, and it will end with Khodynka” - this is what people said about the reign of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II. The terrible stampede that took place during the coronation celebrations claimed hundreds of lives and became a gloomy omen of future misfortunes for the dynasty and the state. The brightest and most bitter pages of Boris Vasiliev’s narrative are dedicated to the Khodynka tragedy. But, of course, the author is not limited to describing only this event. The novel contains thoughts about the Russian intelligentsia, about honor and duty to the Fatherland, about the painful trials that he will have to endure...