During a pogrom in Poland on the eve of World War I, a group of Jews seek refuge from the Cossacks. The fugitives hide out in a rural inn, terrified that they may be given away at any moment.
The year is 1998 and the world is in an ecological cataclysm: there is shortage of water, environment is polluted and being outside brings high risks. The main character is a tv technician, Jan, an individualist, who is harassed by the conformists. Jan loves Ewa, a ballet student, who in turn is in a liaison with Allan, a successful and powerful man.
Krzysztof, a 30-something writer has been on a downward spiral ever since the success of his first novel. Struggling to compete his new work, the "Book of All Books" he retreats into alcoholism when he meets Basia, with whom he begins a volatile relationship.
