The reader is well acquainted with the work of V. A. Savchenko and V. R. Faitelberg-Blank. Tireless researchers of the history of Odessa, they wrote many books about Southern Palmyra, from the era of its foundation to the present day. Recently, the co-authors have been getting closer to the modern pages of city life. The new book tells about the “time of troubles” when power in Odessa changed many times over the course of several years. The authors reveal a number of unknown facts and present many archival documents and photographic materials. The essays are written in a lively and engaging manner. The book is intended for a wide range of readers.