Notes of a Young Gymnasium Student with Illustrations

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