Azure Flowers. Humorous Stories

The famous writer of the late 19th - early 20th century, Nikolai Alexandrovich Leykin, keenly observes and vividly describes the characteristic signs of the times in his stories, making his works not only a whirlpool of images and situations but also a unique encyclopedia of Russian life at the turn of the century. This collection encompasses life in all its diversity, and many ironically played themes, such as superstitions, gossip, family squabbles, poverty and destitution, bureaucracy, pretense in charity, and rampant drunkenness, resonate with readers even today. Scenes characteristic of that period are played out: the relationships between the impoverished nobility and the new masters of life - the merchants. The latter's limitations and the desire to solve any problem with money - for example, to buy the lead role in a play - are mocked, albeit in a good-natured way.