Notes of a Young Gymnazist with Illustrations

Partly autobiographical, the story by Lydia Charskaya was incredibly successful among girls in pre-revolutionary Russia. Little Lena Ikonina, after the death of her parents, is sent to live and be raised in her uncle's family. However, not all the household members are happy about this — no one is in a hurry to surround her with care and love. And upon entering the gymnasium, our heroine continues to face cruel treatment and injustice. Only kindness, generosity, and strength of character help Lena turn former enemies into friends and win the affection of those around her.