Boys in Zinc

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 Author
Svetlana 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.