About the title
Nikolai Pluzhnikov is a 19-year-old lieutenant who arrives for permanent duty in Brest on June 21, 1941. Full of enthusiasm, the young man muses with interest about what lies ahead. He doesn't notice the growing panic in the city or the crowds of people with suitcases at the train station. Buoyed by new opportunities, he is sent to the Brest Fortress, but there isn't time to add him to the roster of the citadel's servicemen. The next morning the war begins. Kolya must take part in the first battles and selflessly defend his homeland for the next ten months.