Altyn Khodzhayeva

Once in an orphanage, nine-year-old Oraz finds a friend in the person of teacher Dovlat. In the hungry post-war years, Dovlat does everything to prevent children from suffering. One day, having caught the cook Izyumgul stealing, he brings trouble upon himself: in order to avoid being put on trial, Izyumgul spreads slanderous rumors about the teacher. Dovlat goes to prison, and the cook becomes the director of the orphanage. Forty years pass, and Oraz is invited to Izyumgul’s anniversary...

Fifteen-year-old Aina is going through her first difficulties. For the first time, she felt lonely and unprotected. The father left after the divorce, the mother is trying to arrange her personal life. The only true friend - grandfather - dies in Aina's arms. For her inconvenient character - the desire to get to the bottom of right and wrong actions - the girl was nicknamed mad. Aina, who cannot tolerate lies, has a hard time both at school and at home. But she is strong because she has her own ideas about a happy life.