The story “Muzqaymoq” (Ice Cream)
The story “Muzqaymoq” (Ice Cream) is told by a ten-year-old boy living in Turkestan. The events take place in the years of Stalin-era repressions: the boy’s father is arrested. The family’s books are hidden and pictures are defaced. The neighbour who was once a friend, a Komsomol secretary, now becomes an enemy. During the search the boy opens a cabinet drawer the soldier could not open and for a moment is proud of the man’s praise — as an adult he is ashamed of this all his life. As his father is being taken away, the father regrets never buying him ice cream and the boy hugs his knees. Later, at the farewell in the prison, the father gives his son five so‘m. Through the child’s eyes the story shows a great tragedy and the fate of innocent people and urges the reader to value parents’ love.
“Through a child’s eyes”: two groups retell the story in 3 sentences — one as the boy, one as the father; the difference is discussed.