The events of the novel by the famous American science fiction writer Clifford Simak take place in the small town of Millville, Wisconsin. The city is suddenly surrounded by a mysterious barrier. Where did he come from? Why can't a person pass through it, but an empty car can pass? Are all living organisms held back by this obstacle? For what purpose does extraterrestrial intelligence want to get to our Earth? Is it possible to trust Flowers who strive for peace and harmony and are ready to cooperate? Brad Carter and other residents of the trapped town, and later all of humanity, are trying to find answers to all these questions. But can they do it? Will people for the first time in their history be able to establish a connection with extraterrestrial life forms?