Двенадцать глав «Наших» создавались Довлатовым в начале 1980-х годов как самостоятельные рассказы. Герои — реальные люди, отсюда и один из вариантов названия будущей книги — «Семейный альбом», в которой звучит «не громкая музыка здравого смысла» (И. Бродский), помогающая нам сохранять достоинство в самых невероятных жизненных ситуациях.
When Ruben was born with severe cerebral palsy his grandfather banished him to an orphanage, telling his mother he was dead. Ruben's life was a series of freezing dormitories, rotting food and cruel carers. He was haunted by the rumour his mother had abandoned him. But the occasional kindnesses shown to him - a fig, a mouthful of chocolate, a conversation - fed his passion for life. Ruben was determined to escape the orphanages and seek out the truth about his mother. This is his heroic story.