More documentary in its approach than dramatized history, this is a compelling story about a 1901 children's strike in Wrzesnia near the Polish border with Prussia. Poland was partitioned at this time, and a rigidly patriotic Prussian teacher in Wrzesnia follows the dictates of the Germans in parliament and insists that the children be taught their religion classes in German. When the children refuse to take part in the classes, they are supported by the local priest, but that does not save them from being beaten. They are also kept after school and tormented in other ways as well. Newspapers, parents, and the nation as a whole get involved, transforming a simple children's strike into a national incident.

In 1969 a young writer decides to write an essay on a well known Polish writer, who had to leave the country in the 50's, later living, working and dying in exile. He slowly assembles the character and even the exterior appearances of his idol until his own identity tragically disappears.

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.

Michal Szmańda suffers from epilepsy, depression and other conditions. He is cared for by his sister Aniela. The only bright ray in her life is the "garden" arranged in the kitchen. They do not live with their mother. When they were children, and this was in Stalinist times, the mother was a labor leader. Possessed by the new ideology, she neglected the house and children. When little Michael was sent to a sanatorium, his mother did not visit him at Christmas. This caused trauma for the rest of his life.

Seven women gather to hear one of them tell a story of a strange incident that happened to a certain dead man.