Alexander Melikhov is a writer of the St. Petersburg school. His previous novels were characterized by a special philosophy, coupled with deep reflection. “The Plague” is a completely different work: acutely relevant, dealing with such a painful topic as drug addiction. The hero of the novel is the son of prosperous parents, and everything seems to be going well for him. The only thing that worries his loved ones is that he constantly gets involved in some strange stories. However, he is so gifted and charming that no one attaches any importance to this. He leaves for Israel, studies and works brilliantly there and... suddenly returns to his hometown in deep drug addiction. This is where hell begins, leading to the death of the family.