Life and Fate
Back of the Book
A book 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, Life and Fate is an epic tale of World War II and a profound reckoning with the dark forces that dominated the twentieth century.
Interweaving a transfixing account of the battle of Stalingrad with the story of a single middle-class family, the Shaposhnikovs, scattered by fortune from Germany to Siberia, Vasily Grossman fashions an immense, intricately detailed tapestry depicting a time of almost unimaginable horror and even stranger hope.
Life and Fate juxtaposes bedrooms and snipers’ nests, scientific laboratories and the Gulag, taking us deep into the hearts and minds of characters ranging from a boy on his way to the gas chambers to Hitler and Stalin themselves.
This novel of unsparing realism and visionary moral intensity is one of the supreme achievements of modern Russian literature.
Why You Should Read It
Life and Fate is a powerful exploration of the human spirit amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War II and the Soviet regime. What makes the novel exceptional is Grossman's ability to intricately weave together a vast array of characters and perspectives, offering a panoramic view of the era's complexities. The richness of his storytelling lies in the depth of character development and the exploration of moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the machinery of war. Grossman's prose is both poignant and humane, creating an emotional resonance that lingers with readers long after they turn the last page. For those seeking a nuanced and deeply affecting portrayal of the human experience during wartime, Life and Fate stands as a compelling testament to Grossman's literary prowess and his ability to capture the intricacies of the human condition in the face of historical upheavals.
Memorable Passage
I have seen that it is not man who is impotent in the struggle against evil, but the power of evil that is impotent in the struggle against man. The powerlessness of kindness, of senseless kindness, is the secret of its immortality. It can never by conquered. The more stupid, the more senseless, the more helpless it may seem, the vaster it is. Evil is impotent before it. The prophets, religious teachers, reformers, social and political leaders are impotent before it. This dumb, blind love is man’s meaning. Human history is not the battle of good struggling to overcome evil. It is a battle fought by a great evil, struggling to crush a small kernel of human kindness. But if what is human in human beings has not been destroyed even now, then evil will never conquer.
About the Author
Vassily Grossman, a Soviet writer and journalist born in 1905 in Berdichev, Ukraine, is worth knowing for his impactful contributions to chronicling historical events and his unwavering commitment to truth. Grossman gained prominence through his reporting during World War II, notably from the frontlines of the Eastern Front, which laid the foundation for his later literary works. His masterpiece, Life and Fate, remains a testament to his ability to weave together the personal and political, exploring the human experience within the context of war and totalitarianism. Grossman's work is marked by a deep empathy for individuals facing the complexities of historical upheavals. His dedication to revealing the realities of his time, despite facing Soviet censorship, underscores his importance in offering an unfiltered glimpse into the human condition during tumultuous periods.
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