In Russia in the first half of the nineteenth century, young Alexander Aduyev leaves a quiet provincial estate for St. Petersburg, filled with romantic ideas about love, fame, and his future. Life in the capital and his practical uncle, Pyotr Aduyev, confront him with a very different view of the world. The story explores growing up, lost illusions, the conflict between idealism and practicality, and changing attitudes toward love, ambition, and life.