This is the first novel by a famous American writer of Russian origin. Its main theme a person against the state, personal happiness against the public good is masterfully conducted through the background of dramatic events in the life of Petrograd-Leningrad in the early 1920s. The author without any condescension to his heroes tells us about that vague period of our history. Former aristocrat in service zeal before the new regime betrays friends and loved ones The hero of the Civil War after all his victories betrays the cause of the party. The love of the main character to the son of the shot admiral leads to a love affair with an employee of the GPU The problem persists.