Before you is an example of modern Russian literature of the highest level, a book-phenomenon, a book-event that claims to become a modern classic. Galina Shcherbakova’s new book is a direct and frank dialogue with Chekhov. She seems to call him to witness our modernity - even more chaotic, sick and cruel than in the times of the classic. Using the names of famous Chekhov's stories, Shcherbakova fills each of them with new content and meaning. Her “Vanka”, “Lady with a Dog”, “Darling”, “Death of an Official”, “I Want to Sleep” and other miniatures are stories about the life of ordinary people, our potential colleagues and neighbors, seen without illusions and embellishments. Everything is called their own names. And there is no more room for imaginary goodness or false compassion. Everyone will be happy and unhappy only as they can!