동아시아의 평화와 화해의 정치학 Scrapbook: "Life and Fate" by Vasily Grossman

"Life and Fate" by Vasily Grossman is a monumental work that offers a profound reckoning with the dark forces that dominated the twentieth century, particularly during World War II. Published in 1980, the novel was initially judged so dangerous in the Soviet Union that not only the manuscript but the ribbons on which it had been typed were confiscated by the state. This act of suppression underscores the immense impact and significance of Grossman's narrative.

The novel intricately weaves together the account of the battle of Stalingrad with the story of the Shaposhnikov family, offering a panoramic view of the human experience amidst the unimaginable horror and hope of wartime. Grossman's portrayal juxtaposes diverse settings, from bedrooms to sniper's nests, scientific laboratories to the Gulag, providing a deep exploration of characters ranging from a boy facing the gas chambers to influential figures like Hitler and Stalin themselves.

In "Life and Fate," Grossman's unsparing realism and visionary moral intensity shine through, making it one of the supreme achievements of modern Russian literature. The novel not only captures the historical magnitude of World War II but also delves into the profound philosophical thought and literary innovation that sets it apart as a timeless work.

Grossman's personal experiences as a Soviet Jewish journalist who covered the battle of Stalingrad and the liberation of the Treblinka extermination camp infuse the narrative with a unique authenticity and emotional depth. His courageous portrayal of the human condition amidst the turmoil of war resonates with readers, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring struggle between good and evil, kindness and oppression.

"Life and Fate" stands as a testament to the resilience and individuality of the human spirit, defying attempts at suppression and ultimately reaching audiences worldwide. Its status as a monumental work of literature continues to captivate and provoke contemplation, cementing Vasily Grossman's legacy.

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Mike Boutell

The Politburo ban formally expressed the view that it could not be published for 200 years! Great journalist as well as novelist, was regularly on the front-line with the troops, including Stalingrad, throughout the meatgrinder campaign all the way to Berlin, and wrote the first Soviet accounts of the liberated concentration camps in Eastern Europe.

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Payton Kritz-McMahon

One of the greatest and most underrated novels, and works of Russian literature, ever. Surpasses Dostoyevsky and Turgenev. I don’t know about in relation to Tolstoy, Chekhov, and Pushkin, but Vassily Grossman is a great of the twentieth century. A Jewish lady, condemned to die in the gas chambers, tho her “eyes that have read Shakespeare” and “fingers that played Beethoven…”