This short novel is an important Russian classic written about the purge period, in which millions of people lost their lives. It primarily examines the impact of lies on societies.

Sofya Petrovna took two weeks off work without pay. Could she think about any papers or about Irina Semyonovna and Kolya in prison? She couldn't go to work at all; she would have to spend time from morning till evening, and from evening till morning in long queues. She handed her application to the lame party secretary; after Zakharov's arrest, he had been temporarily appointed acting director. He sat in the same office as Zakharov, with the same large desk and telephone. He didn't wear the same jacket with the turn-down collar, but a gray suit from one of the Leningrad shops, a tie, and a man's waistcoat, and despite all that, he looked insignificant. Sofya Petrovna said she needed the vacation due to personal circumstances. Timofeev kept writing the order for a long time in red ink. He told Sofya Petrovna that Irina Semyonovna would be in charge of her work this time and ordered her to hand it over to her. Sofya Petrovna wondered, "Why isn't Frolenko taking my place? Irna Semyonovna is an ignoramus who can't write without mistakes." Comrade Timofeev made no reply and stood up. "Well, never mind." Sofya Petrovna left her office and hurried to the queue.