Boys in Zinc

Andrew Bromfield,
Svetlana Alexievich

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'Boys in Zinc' by Svetlana Alexievich is a powerful and haunting account of the Soviet Russian invasion of Afghanistan. Through personal testimonies from veterans, mothers, and loved ones, the book sheds light on the brutal realities faced by Soviet soldiers during and after the war. The narrative delves into the emotional toll on soldiers and their families, as well as the broader impact of the conflict on society and the empire in decline. The writing style captures the raw and unfiltered voices of those directly affected by the war, providing a poignant and eye-opening exploration of the human cost of political decisions.

The book exposes the harsh truths of war, offering a searing indictment of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. By including diverse perspectives such as soldiers, medical staff, and families, 'Boys in Zinc' provides a comprehensive and multi-dimensional portrayal of the conflict. The author's investigative journalism approach brings to light the personal accounts and experiences that often go unheard, creating a gripping and emotionally charged narrative that resonates long after the book is finished.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines investigative journalism with powerful narrative elements, often using verbatim accounts that evoke strong emotions and personal experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative provides an oral history of the Soviet Afghan war, highlighting the experiences of soldiers and their families, revealing the deep personal and national implications of the conflict.

Setting:

The setting spans Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion, as well as the broader context of the Soviet Union and its societal implications post-war.

Pacing:

The pacing varies throughout, reflecting the narrative structure with snippets that convey both fragmented experiences and moments of intense emotion.

I don’t want to write about war any more … To live enveloped in a ‘philosophy of extinction’ instead of a ‘philosophy of life’. To compile the interminable experience of non-existence. When I finished...

Genres:

Topics:

soviet afghan war

personal accounts of soldiers

impact of war on families

political consequences of war

mental health after war

anti war sentiment

voices from the marginalized

collective trauma

Notes:

Boys in Zinc offers a Soviet perspective on the Afghan War and the first Gulf War.

The book is an oral history, collecting personal accounts from soldiers, their families, and medical staff.

Svetlana Alexievich is an investigative journalist known for her compelling narrative style.

The narrative explores the struggles and trauma experienced by young Soviet soldiers during the 1980s.

Many of the soldiers were just 18 or 19 years old when sent to war.

The book shows the long-term impact of war on soldiers and their families, highlighting physical and emotional injuries.

It is praised as a powerful anti-war book and a searing indictment of Soviet military actions.

Alexievich's works are recognized for documenting personal and historical truths, with 'Boys in Zinc' being key to understanding the Soviet Empire's decline.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes high levels of distressing content, including graphic depictions of war, trauma, and psychological struggles faced by veterans and their families.

From The Publisher:

BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.

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