Аннотация
Книга narrates the story of Colonel Potapov, his wife Nadia, and their daughter Vera, exploring themes of family dynamics, adolescence, and personal strength.
The narrative opens with a glimpse into the Potapov family life, where Colonel Potapov is portrayed as a protective father, particularly concerning his growing daughter Vera, who has blossomed from an awkward girl into a beautiful young woman. This transformation attracts the attention of several young suitors, which Potapov disapproves of. In an effort to divert Vera's focus and perhaps instill some discipline, he enrolls her in self-defense classes in sambo. Despite the attention she receives, Vera remains grounded and does not view herself as frivolous.
Amidst these familial developments, a light-hearted moment occurs when Vera comes home with a stray kitten. She insists on naming the kitten Sharik, but Potapov humorously suggests the name Losharik, drawing from the names of military rocket systems, to reflect their family’s connections to the military. This exchange leads to a warm and affectionate family moment, showcasing their close-knit bonds and the joy they find in the simple acts of life together, including their two dogs, Buka and Topa.
As the story progresses, Vera decides to seek work and takes a job as a sales manager. This decision marks a new phase of independence as she navigates the challenges of the workplace. However, she quickly encounters the harsh realities of misogyny, where male colleagues exploit their positions to exert power over female employees. Learning from her father’s wisdom regarding such men, Vera recognizes the importance of standing her ground. Her own experiences of having to assert herself against unwelcome advances highlight her strength and resilience.
Unfortunately, her job takes a turn for the worse when she finds herself embroiled in a dispute with her director, leading to her dismissal. This setback prompts her to return home, where the warm embrace of her family awaits. United in their love for one another, the Potapovs plan a pleasant excursion to their country house, taking their dogs along and cherishing their time together, reinforcing the strength of their family ties.
In a parallel storyline, we are introduced to another character, Valera, who makes a delivery to a remote house. Here, he encounters large dogs that momentarily intimidate him, but he soon learns from the homeowner, Mikhail, that these dogs are gentle if left undisturbed. The home situation gets complicated when Valera loses his car keys and receives help from Mikhail and his daughter, Vera. Amidst this, a drunken man appears, intent on entering the home, creating a tense situation. Nevertheless, through teamwork and quick thinking, Mikhail, Vera, and Valera manage to resolve the situation.
Both Vera’s and Valera’s stories intersect with themes of personal agency, family support, and finding strength in unity during challenges. The narrative ultimately emphasizes the importance of familial bonds and personal integrity in the face of societal pressures and unexpected events.
