The novel 2017 is set in the Ural Mountains, named Riphean Mountains in the book. Like a Christmas stocking stuffed with presents, the old crumbling mountain range is full of subterranean treasures – ores and gems. It is home to a regional subculture of the so-called “khitniks” – unlicensed precious stone miners, to whom their illegal occupation has become more a way of life, than business.
The protagonist – Krylov is a genius gemstone cutter. The novel explores the nature of his talent, the non-material aspect of the process, when the cutter deals not only with the stone, but also with light.
An important part of khitniks subculture is the communion with the spirits of the mountains. The Stone Girl who tries men with her love visits Krylov.
Meanwhile, Russia is celebrating the centenary of the October Revolution. Revolution is replayed when historical reenactment of battles between costumed Red Guard and White Russian forces turn into real bloodbaths. The final chapters describe the coup.
