A poignant tale about a lonely and isolated man named Kassyan who lives in a small village in rural Russia. Kassyan is known for his exceptional skill as a beekeeper and his honey is highly sought after. However, Kassyan is also known for his strange and reclusive behavior, which has earned him the nickname of "e;the madman"e; among the villagers. Despite his eccentricities, Kassyan longs for companionship and finds solace in his beloved bees. One day, a young girl named Luba comes to him seeking help for her sick mother. Kassyan, who has some medical knowledge, becomes determined to save the woman's life and begins to care for her in his own home. Read in English, unabridged.
