The novel by the writer Vladimir Prasolov is based on real historical events that took place in Russia in the first half of the 20th century. Fugitive political prisoner Ivan Golyshev, released by the Evenks-Orochons, is reborn under the name Vangol. In the taiga, he finds a family, gains the wisdom of the ancient people, but most importantly, he finds himself and masters the skill of using hidden human opportunities. But trouble comes to his house, and a stream of events takes him with them. The fates of the White Cossacks and the Red Army, the bosses and prisoners of the camps, Evenks and city dwellers are intertwined. And the most seemingly distant people are inextricably linked in this whirlpool of terrible time.