"Haunted by memories of the land he deserted, Sadulaev tells the stories of those who stayed behind. He brings to life his friends - now reduced to pieces of flesh - revisiting their first loves, their passion for rock music, their quests for martyrdom. And he immerses us in the intoxicating beauty of his homeland's mountains, blossoms and the flocks of migratory swallows that fill its skies." --Publisher description.