From its very appearance, the novel was received with enthusiasm by the reading public - from the royal family to literate peasants. The success of the novel was enduring. The life of the people in its smallest details, folk beliefs, where paganism and Christianity are intertwined, rituals, lyrical and spiritual songs, crafts and crafts with their terminology and proverbs - everything is described by P. I. Melnikov's lively speech, so the reader does not remain indifferent. Melnikov's entire life experience, innumerable personal observations, knowledge of the history of his native land, spiritual sympathy for his beloved heroes - everything merged in Melnikov's best novel.