About the Author
Svetlana Alexievich
ISBN 9780241264119
Rs. 798
Penguin Classics
Boys in Zinc
Who it's for: Readers interested in oral history, war narratives, and Soviet history
In 'Boys in Zinc', Nobel Prize winner Svetlana Alexievich compiles raw, firsthand accounts from the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989). Through the testimonies of soldiers, medical personnel, mothers, wives, and siblings, the book exposes the unvarnished truth of a conflict officially downplayed as a "peace-keeping" mission. It reveals the harsh realities, the profound human cost, and the lasting impact on those involved and left behind, as fallen soldiers returned in sealed zinc coffins.Why You Should Read? Gain an authentic, multi-perspective understanding of the Soviet-Afghan War through personal narratives. Experience the emotional and physical toll of conflict as recounted by soldiers, doctors, and affected families. Discover the profound human cost and long-term consequences of war from individual testimonies. Read a critically acclaimed work by a Nobel Prize laureate known for her powerful documentary prose. About the AuthorSvetlana Alexievich is a Belarusian investigative journalist and non-fiction writer who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2015 for her polyphonic writings, a monument to suffering and courage in our time. Her works are a unique literary genre, chronicling the emotional history of the Soviet and post-Soviet person through hundreds of interviews.Andrew Bromfield is a highly respected translator of Russian literature, known for his ability to capture the nuances and power of original texts. He has translated numerous works by prominent Russian authors, bringing their voices to English-speaking audiences with accuracy and sensitivity.
Highlights
- Nobel Prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich
- Compiles raw testimonies from soldiers, medical personnel, and families
- Exposes the unvarnished truth behind the official 'peace-keeping' narrative
- Details the emotional and physical toll of the 1979-1989 conflict
- Fallen soldiers returned in sealed zinc coffins, a central motif
Themes
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All by Svetlana Alexievich →Questions about this book
What is the book about?
It compiles firsthand accounts from the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), including testimonies from soldiers, medical personnel, mothers, wives, and siblings, revealing the conflict's human cost.
Who is the author?
Svetlana Alexievich, a Belarusian investigative journalist and Nobel Prize winner in Literature (2015), known for her polyphonic writings based on hundreds of interviews.
What makes this book unique?
It presents raw, multi-perspective personal narratives rather than a traditional historical account, giving voice to those directly affected by the war.
Is it suitable for readers new to the topic?
Yes, the personal stories make the history accessible, though it deals with heavy themes of war and loss.


