Аннотация
Книга revolves around the adventures of two siblings, Toshi and Vika, who embark on a mystical journey to the ends of the earth with a singular goal: to find a way to revive their mother, who lies in a deep slumber reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty. The story begins with their journey in an old car, filled with a mix of hope and trepidation. Their quest is not just about geographical exploration but also an emotional odyssey in search of love and belonging.
The children's travels lead them to a quaint seaside town, known as Rybatchik or Rybanik. The atmosphere is both enchanting and eerie, infused with a sense of mystery. Upon their arrival, Vika expresses a desire to gather a flower as a keepsake, despite Toshi's concerns about their mission. This small act, innocent in nature, reflects the children's longing for normalcy amidst the chaos of their lives.
As they explore the town, they find shelter in a café called "Samobranik." Here, they encounter a bizarre woman with a creaky voice who informs them that all tables are reserved, and no food will be served to them. More alarmingly, she warns them not to eat until sunset, hinting that doing so will jeopardize their chance of returning home. This cryptic warning sets a foreboding tone and illustrates the children’s precarious situation.
Feeling uncomfortable in the café’s unsettling environment, Toshi and Vika decide to leave. As they step outside, they are engulfed by a heavy heat and an atmosphere that resonates with a somber reflection on life, driving home the notion that without purpose, people merely survive rather than truly live. This philosophical undertone introduces deeper themes of existence, purpose, and the interplay between life and death, which will permeate the rest of their journey.
The narrative then shifts focus to a character named Lenka, who enters their lives unexpectedly. Lenka initially appears to be a mere acquaintance but quickly becomes central to their adventure. Toshi and his friends speculate about Lenka’s identity, and they ponder whether she could be connected to their family history. Unbeknownst to them, Lenka harbors secrets tied to their past, including her relationship with their mother and father.
Things take a dark turn when a broad-shouldered stranger attacks Lenka, stabbing her. Toshi, witnessing the violence, responds instinctively, calling for help from his friend Vovka. The urgency of the situation intensifies as Lenka instructs them to drive her to a certain location in the city. Despite her injuries, Lenka maintains a sense of control, providing Toshi with enigmatic directions involving a balloon made of foil, apples, and a thread—symbols that hint at their journey’s magical undertones.
As they embark on this leg of their journey, the three of them confront the mysteries lurking ahead. Lenka’s dire situation propels them forward amidst an atmosphere laden with tension and unresolved secrets. She cryptically hints at a connection to Toshi's father, a hunter of the supernatural, and tells of their mother’s role as a guide between the worlds of the living and the dead, suggesting a deep-rooted family legacy intertwined with the supernatural.
While Vovka drives, Toshi is visibly disturbed by the bloodless state of Lenka's wound, which raises questions about the nature of her injury and the supernatural elements at play. As they head to the designated spot, the tension escalates; they are plunged deep into a realm where the lines between reality and dreams blur, and the true nature of their quest is revealed—an exploration of love, sacrifice, and the bonds that transcend even death.
Gradually, the children learn that their journey is not merely about reclaiming their mother but about understanding the mysteries of life, confronting their fears, and perhaps confronting the deeper implications of loss and heroism. Through magical landscapes and encounters, they unravel the complex threads of their family history, learning that the pursuit of life and love often comes with a price—a journey both fraught with danger and infused with magic.
In conclusion, the book intricately weaves the themes of childhood innocence, the quest for belonging, and the confrontation with darkness. It reflects on the resilience of spirit in the face of overwhelming odds and the eternal bond of family, framed against a fantastical backdrop that invites readers to ponder their own journeys through life and love.
