The fate of the outstanding Ukrainian writer Volodymyr Vinnichenko (1880–1951) was extremely complicated and stormy. This talented artist of words was a famous political figure who devoted his whole life to the struggle for building a free, independent Ukraine. Therefore, it is not surprising that his works were forbidden to be printed for a long time.The main character of the novel "Notes of the Curly Mephistopheles" Yakiv Mykhailiuk seems not to live, but to play life. Everything in it happens easily and simply. He treats even his love like a game: why not marry the girl he calls White Riding Hood, because she is so beautiful and sweet? But one fact stands in the way: it turns out that Mephistopheles has a son born against his will. The game ends: Mykhailouka must choose between her lover and her child. And this choice is too serious...