This article is devoted to the analysis of the links between the novels The Joke of the Patron by A. Averchenko and The Goat in Milk by Yu. Polyakov. The purpose of the article is to explain the aspects that bring the two works together, as well as to reveal the characteristics that distinguish Yu. Polyakov from his predecessor. The task is to clarify the traditions of Russian literature and novelty in the novel The Goat in Milk by Yu. Polyakov. In the article, the author examines the similarity of the two works on the plot level, finds similar artistic techniques and motives for the actions of the characters. In addition, the article focuses on the gallery of Soviet writers created by Yu. Polyakov, as well as the important role of the hist...