The hero of the novel, a melancholic, dreamy boy, has the gift of communicating with human shadows and learning from them about the past of their owners. The shadows share secrets with the boy, ask him for help, and gradually he begins to understand that his abilities can be used for good - you just need to want it. In his adult life, having become a doctor, he often encounters troubles and grief, but the gift acquired in childhood still guides him, not allowing him to lose faith in his dream and love.