Eduard Verkin is a modern writer, multiple laureate of the Cherished Dream literary prize, laureate of the Kniguru competition, winner of the competition named after. S. Mikhalkova and one of the brightest modern authors for teenagers. His books are unusual, although they seem to tell about everyday life. They shock, upend the usual picture of the world both by the story itself, which is always masterfully conveyed, and by what is left behind the scenes. The novel “Gerda” is a story of growing up, which often happens suddenly, not because the age has approached, but because here and now you have to make a difficult decision, and there is no one to ask for tips. This is a love story, although you will not find either the word “love” itself or direct descriptions of this feeling. And the story of a miracle that sometimes has a dark underside. It is also a story of choice. Choosing the road, friends, fate. One turn, and it is no longer possible to return to your old life. Whether this is good or bad is not immediately clear. But above all, this is high-quality prose. The novel “Gerda” is being published for the first time.