Set during WWII. Lev, a Russian Jew, whose father was a poet and was arrested, and Kolya, an arrogant but charming army deserter, hunt across Leningrad at the height of the German siege to find a dozen fresh eggs. They must secure the eggs to avoid execution for "crimes". 
 The story is fast paced, crude and witty. It felt like a slide show. A frame of relaxation and enjoyment in spite of the cold and hunger, shift frame, a frame of utter horror. The tone of the story is a little cynical and tongue in cheek, almost as though the story teller is telling his amazing life story, but in a self deprecating manner.