Chirikov, E. N. (Evgeniĭ Nikolaevich)
"Ensi aste" by E. N. Chirikov is a novel written in the early 20th century. It is a coming-of-age portrait of a Russian schoolboy discovering first love, pride, and social ritual in a provincial town. The story centers on Petroff, his infatuation with the spirited Lelia, and his rivalries with classmates as seasons, holidays, and family gatherings shape their youthful world.The opening of the novel sets a jubilant spring and follows gymnasium boys Petroff and Pawloff as Petroff fixates on Lelia, learns her name and address, and contrives a meeting during Easter services. He then tries to join the croquet games in her yard, steals a brief kiss, and escapes a quarrel with a jealous realist rival. Summer at his uncle’s village first bores, then distracts him, until a lighthearted letter from Lelia reignites his longing and draws him back to the city. There he befriends her cousin, enters her social circle, treasures a blue ribbon as a talisman, and at a Christmas party his taunt at the realist backfires into public embarrassment and tears. Sundays at the skating rink bring new elation as he glides with Lelia, even while he smolders at the rival who merely walks at her side. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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