Igor Angelevsky, a 34-year-old writer from Moscow, has failed for the third time to win Russia’s top literary prize. After the awards ceremony, his wallet—containing his only memento of his mother—is stolen. Upon hearing the news of the theft, 20-year-old pickpocket Aldar decides to read Angelevsky’s books and is so captivated by them that he becomes Igor’s protégé. The writer recognises in the young man a brilliant storyteller with a wealth of life experience.
