Mandarin Forest

The books of Maria Metlitskaya have an undeniable therapeutic quality. They convince that life is not cruel to those who value life and are ready to be happy. Natasha was born in a factory settlement, where they drank, fought, and died young. She was destined to repeat the fate of her mother and the other women around her. But life seemed to show mercy on her, giving a glimpse of happiness. And that happiness turned out to be love for Chingiz, a young artist who, unbeknownst to himself, became the father of her only child. He disappeared from her life as suddenly as he appeared, leaving behind a wonderful, magical painting: a mandarin forest, where small orange suns of mandarins hang on huge, mighty trees, lighting the way for those who wander in search of happiness. Throughout her life, Natasha is warmed by memories of that love, which was so fleeting and so happy. And that love gives her the strength to believe that happiness will surely find her.