The House on the Embankment is a compelling narrative woven through the memories of two narrators and transports readers back to Moscow during Stalin's rule. The story predominantly follows Vadim Alexandrovich Glebov, whose recollections of his youth and early adulthood reveal a tapestry of emotions, relationships, and societal dynamics. Interspersed with Glebov's narrative are insights from an anonymous narrator who once shared his world.

Encounter with the Past

The novella opens with Glebov as a disgruntled middle-aged man, stumbling upon an alcohol-ridden porter in a furniture store. This man, he realizes, is his former friend Lev Mikhailovich Shulepnikov, affectionately known as "Shulepa." Though Glebov initially fails to recall Lev's name, Lev's avoidance stirs curiosity. That night, Lev contacts him, hinting at his impending imprisonment and confessing a historical aversion to Glebov.

Recollections of Youth

Lev's cold dismissal propels Glebov into a deep reflection on his past, particularly focusing on the opulent apartment building on the embankment where many of his childhood friends resided. The allure of the building, with its gleaming elevator and elegant interiors, fascinated Glebov, contrasting sharply with his own cramped living conditions on Deryugin Street. Within this childhood world were figures like Anton, Chemist, Walrus, Lev, Sonya Ganchuk, and the aggressive Bychkov siblings.

Adolescent Rivalries

Glebov’s reminiscences are laced with themes of fear, humiliation, and envy. As a boy, he felt inferior to the residents of the lavish apartment house, particularly to Lev, whose stepfather wielded significant influence. A particular incident involved Lev subtly outmaneuvering Glebov, who had earlier used his mother's job at a theater to impress peers by bypassing ticket lines. Lev effortlessly trumped this by showcasing the same film in his own apartment, undermining Glebov’s standing. A jest orchestrated by Lev further embarrassed Glebov, a humiliation only compounded when Lev's stepfather coerced him into naming prank conspirators, resulting in dire consequences for those involved.

Shadows of Authority

Glebov's anxieties grew as he navigated the complex social hierarchy. His involvement in a childhood gang conflict led to mysterious repercussions, with a retaliatory incident swiftly followed by the arrest and disappearance of the antagonizing Bychkov family. Such experiences etched a persistent sense of injustice in Glebov’s psyche, a sentiment that persisted into adulthood.

Convergence of Paths

After World War II, Glebov and Lev's paths cross once more as graduate students. Lev now has another influential stepfather, reinforcing his privileged position. Glebov, seeking advancement, exploits his past friendship with Sonya Ganchuk, leveraging her father’s academic clout. A reckless comment at a gathering prompts Glebov to consider courting Sonya, who has harbored feelings for him since childhood.

An Ethical Quandary

Glebov's calculated association with the Ganchuks ensnares him in a moral conflict. Unwittingly, he becomes a tool in a scheme to displace Ganchuk, his advisor and prospective father-in-law. Pressured to both incriminate and defend Ganchuk, Glebov is caught in a moral tug-of-war. A family bereavement provides temporary reprieve from these tensions, yet his indecision leads to a permanent estrangement from Sonya.

Downfall and Disconnection

As time progresses, Lev's fortunes decline precipitously following his stepfather's loss of influence. Ganchuk and his wife face professional disgrace, with only Ganchuk eventually regaining his position. Sonya, besieged by personal struggles, succumbs to tragic circumstances. Glebov, meanwhile, continues to drift, avoiding confrontation with his past.

Confronting Ancestry

Nearly two years after his encounter with Lev, Glebov meets his aristocratic mother on a Paris-bound train. Her life has been marred by setbacks, yet she clings to a haughty demeanor. This indifference unnerves Glebov, though he discovers she benefits from a pension bestowed by her late first husband.

The Voice of an Observer

Alongside Glebov's...