Stones sing

In the alternative reality of the new novel by Alexandra Shalashova, the Soviet Union did not collapse, but its signs are not very noticeable to the characters - they are experiencing a deep internal crisis and are immersed in memories of the catastrophe that happened to them in the past. However, the boundary between 'remembering' and 'forgetting' in this world is fragile and conditional: here, everyone can be subjected to the influence of the Reader, a neurocorrection device, and end up being forgotten by all. At the center of the story are the complex and painful relationships between a teacher and a student. The teacher promises Leshka a new life outside the orphanage - and creates a community of children united by ideas of freedom and universal equality outside the state. Leshka deeply and sincerely attaches himself to the teacher until one day he commits a betrayal. It seems that only the Reader can help forget about the betrayal. But what if the machine malfunctions - and it becomes impossible to forever part with the past? The hero faces a difficult choice - to remain an ordinary person or to continue the path of his teacher? The Reader, seeing his book open clearly, allows him to make this choice.