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Just Live! (Просто жить!) – A Coming-of-Age Story

Просто жить! (Just Live!) is a poignant Russian coming-of-age story following two teenagers, Ira and Matvey, as they navigate difficult summer circumstances and discover unexpected hope.

Synopsis

For 15-year-olds Ira and Matvey, the summer started off terribly. Ira is grieving her parents’ divorce, while Matvey is depressed after a fight with his girlfriend. Ira is ready to run away from home to escape the constant parental accusations and insults, and Matvey is seriously considering ending his life. Both are convinced that the world is unfair and that nothing but pain and emptiness awaits them in the future.

Angry at the world, the teenagers don’t yet know that in just a few days, they will make new friends, experience real love, and rediscover trust and a positive attitude towards life.

All thanks to a week spent in an abandoned camp on the lake shore.

Themes & Topics

This young adult novel explores themes of:

• Teenage depression
• Family issues and divorce
• Friendship and first love
• Finding hope in difficult times
• The power of connection

Target Audience

This book is aimed at young adult readers (ages 12+) and anyone interested in stories about resilience, friendship, and overcoming adversity. It’s especially relevant for those who enjoy coming-of-age narratives and Russian literature.

Unique Selling Points

Просто жить! (Just Live!) is a compelling and relatable story about finding light in the darkness. This novel was a laureate of the III S. Mikhalkov Competition under the original title “Вы существуете” (You Exist). It offers a unique glimpse into the lives of contemporary Russian teenagers and their struggles, making it a meaningful and engaging read.

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