About the book: 1970 / N. Rybak’s novel is primarily a work of art, its purpose is broader than the presentation in one form or another of the facts of history. Balzac is the hero of the novel not because the charm of his illustrious name attracted the author. Balzac and his trip to Ukraine - all this was attracted by the author because it corresponds to his broad artistic concept. This is why Rybak’s novel occupies a special place in our literature, although, of course, it should not be decisively opposed to other historical novels.