Introduction to Life

Volodya is a teenage boy thrust into adulthood by war. His mother’s unstable personal life and his father’s distance push him toward independence, including a job at a defensive aircraft factory and a move to a hostel. He forges a budding friendship with his half-brother Oleg, and the wartime upheaval shapes his sense of responsibility and loyalty.

Valya is a teenage girl who endures the bombing and loss of her mother. After the evacuation, she experiences life in orphanages before being sheltered by her aunt. The social stigma surrounding her mother’s reputation influences her sense of belonging and resilience as she navigates wartime life.

A divorced woman trying to rebuild her personal life during the war, she becomes involved with an army captain. Her romantic entanglements and the resulting social judgments complicate her ability to provide stability for her children. Her choices reflect the pressures faced by women seeking affection and security in a shattered society.

A father who has long maintained another wife and son, he initially refuses to help Volodya. His stance is challenged as Volodya grows more determined, but the relationship remains strained. The dynamic highlights the complexities of family loyalties during wartime and the difficulty of reconnecting across broken bonds.

Oleg is Volodya’s half-brother who becomes a kind of ally. Their evolving relationship—built through shared adversity—offers a counterpoint to the parents’ fracturing bonds. Oleg’s presence provides a sense of mutual support and a bridge between different branches of the family.

An army captain who becomes involved with Volodya’s mother and later parts ways, his relationship adds adult complexity to the story. The captain embodies wartime authority and personal choices that ripple through the family. His presence underscores the moral ambiguities that people navigate in war.

Romka is Volodya’s good friend, providing companionship and support amid uncertainty. His presence in the hostel and on the journey adds a sense of camaraderie and resilience. Through Romka’s loyalty, the story emphasizes the importance of friendship in surviving hardship.

The aunt who shelters the orphaned girls offers a stable, caring refuge in the midst of chaos. Her home becomes a sanctuary that helps the children maintain a sense of normalcy and hope. Her role highlights the enduring importance of kinship and shelter in wartime.