novel, readers are introduced to a vibrant Moscow, where Marianne appears as a nurturing figure deeply in tune with her daughters' lives and aspirations. The scene blends depictions of bustling streets filled with religious processions and a warm domestic setting that showcases Marianne’s reflections on motherhood and her aspirations for her children. As Marianne interacts with her daughter Sophie and her close friend Tamara, conversations reveal her hopes for Sophie’s future, the challenge of balancing work with familial obligations, and the emotional undercurrents of raising children in a transitioning society. This opening sets the tone for a character-driven exploration of identity and relationships, establishing a personal and historical context for the unfolding story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)