34‑year‑old Moscow writer Igor Angelevsky failed to win Russia’s main literary award for the third time. After the award ceremony, his wallet — which contains the only memento of his mother — is stolen. Upon hearing the news of the theft, 20‑year‑old pickpocket Aldar decides to read Angelevsky’s books and becomes so captivated by them that he becomes Igor’s student. The writer sees in the young man a brilliant storyteller with a wealth of life experience.