This article recounts the author's visit to Berdychiv, Ukraine, the hometown of Vasily Grossman, a renowned Jewish writer.

In this article, Robert Chandler reflects on the significance of Vasily Grossman's novel, Life and Fate, particularly in the context of present-day Russia.

Vasily Grossman, a Soviet Jewish author known for his commitment to truth and humanistic ideals, engaged in acts of defiance against the repressive Soviet regime.

Vasily Grossman, a prominent Soviet writer, faced a tumultuous life shaped by Stalinism's repression, personal tragedies, and his dedication to depicting the horrors of World War II, notably in works like "Life and Fate" and "The Hell of Treblinka."

Vasily Grossman's work, especially his 900-page novel "Life and Fate," remains relevant due to its significance as both literature and a historical account of Stalinist Russia.