Here the dawn is quiet...

Author: B. Vasilyev (USSR), translated by Wang Jinling
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The novel depicts the experiences of five young, innocent, and kind Soviet girls during wartime. After Germany invaded the Soviet Union, these girls became anti-aircraft gunners and fought desperately against the brutal fascist thugs, ultimately sacrificing their brief and precious lives. The novel celebrates the purity of the girls and exposes the cruelty of the enemy. Vasilyev told me that the original title of the novel was A Spring That Never Existed, and the story contains elements of his personal experiences. He intended to change the male soldiers to female soldiers to enhance the tragedy and emotional impact. He said, "The mission of women is to give birth, to continue life, not to war, not to death. Killing women is a crime and an anti-human act." His tone revealed his reverence and admiration for women, his longing for peace, and his hatred for war.