About the book: 2017 / High school student Mitya Mendeleev appears before the reader surrounded by relatives, acquaintances, teachers, classmates, as well as exiled Decembrists. The author paints a broad panorama of life in Tobolsk in the early forties of the 19th century. The story is permeated with love for Siberia, its nature and people. The main character’s friendship with a boy from the people, associated with the “forest robbers,” adds to the plot’s interest. The story is accompanied by previously unpublished archival documents. The book is addressed to young and adult readers.