It describes the social process of stratification in the Serbian countryside during late 19th century, which occurs with the penetration of the commodity-money in the countryside. Under new conditions, peasants and farmers are unable to adapt, and rot under the burden of debts.

Two very different, but aging neighbors, Ratko and Krekich, share a rooftop terrace. Their settled lives are overturned by the arrival of an outgoing young girl, Andja, who takes the empty flat next door. But their dreams of revived youth and love and a better life, outside the strife of Yugoslavia's civil war, are short-lived as jealousy and army duty tear them apart.

Middle-aged couple try to preserve at least some of their dignified life in times of war, poverty and sanctions.

Trouble usually starts when the power falls into the wrong hands. That's how the book that hides an ancient evil fell to Stanislav. It does not matter whether Stanislav is a nice guy who helps old ladies cross the street, a psychopath, nerd, or a blood-thirsty young man.