Told from the perspective of a boy gaining his ‘education’ as a member of the Mafia-like Urkas in Transnistria, we get a glimpse inside the strict codes of honor and the rituals of this bizarre community. Besides having a deep distrust of outsiders - especially the police - the community is split into ‘honest’ and ‘dishonest’ criminals and crime is all-pervasive.

Even their youngest children are taught to understand violence and when it is appropriate to use it. By the age of six Nicolai Lilin is given his first ‘pike knife’ by his uncle. By the age of twelve he is convicted of attempted murder.