Ondassyn Bessikbassov

In 1930s Kazakhstan, a gravedigger embarks on a journey to deliver an urgent letter. With a stranger's help, he faces treacherous unknowns.

After leaving the navy, Asa returns to the Kazakh steppe where his sister's family lives a nomadic life. In order to become a shepherd himself, Asa must marry--his only hope is Tulpan, the daughter of another shepherd family. But he is disappointed to learn that Tulpan doesn't like him because she thinks that his ears are too big. But Asa doesn't give up and dreams of a life that may not be so possible on the barren steppe...