Currents (Techeniya)

Dasha Blagova's novel is a story of growing up, searching, and finding oneself.

Its heroine, Nastya, grew up in a small southern town, studied long and hard, and was accepted to the journalism department at Moscow State University—and is now trying to fit into a new, beautiful, and interesting, yet completely different life. Separated from her family, Nastya tries to find her place, but increasingly feels lonely, stupid, and provincial. A friendship with a beautiful and successful friend, who initially seems like a saving grace, turns into a painful addiction. In the dreary hallways and dim dorm rooms, Nastya lives out what seems like the worst days of her life, sinking deeper and deeper into despair and depression.
The love and support of loved ones, the reclamation of her own southern identity, help Nastya grow up, build mature relationships, and find support, while her desire to help others enables her to find inner meaning.