The book of the famous Altai prose writer includes his last story “Heavenly Creature” and the best stories of different years. E. Gushchin’s work entirely belongs to his native Altai land, its rich but harsh nature, which leaves an indelible imprint on the people of this reserved region. That is why the main character of the story “Heavenly Creature” is the wild nature of the Altai mountains, where the serious love of the “local hunter” Alexei flares up for the only girl who survived the plane crash, Alena. He is happy that love (for the first time in his life!) suddenly illuminates his life with a bright light, which before meeting Alena - a “heavenly creature,” as he calls her, was a largely aimless existence. The heroine of the story is rational and mercantile. Her speech contrasts with her appearance: dazzling, heavenly beauty and completely earthly, cynical ideas. And she “consumes”, cold-bloodedly takes advantage of Alexei’s love, his willingness to do anything for her, even to die. Is it a coincidence that she is the only celestial creature? Are there many such creatures in modern life? What to dream about? To whom should I dedicate my creativity? Who to pray for? To whom should I say: “just shine, shine”?