How Steel is Made (Image and Text)

Author: (Soviet) Ostrovsky, translated by Wang Zhichong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-04-01
Features: This book is the masterpiece of Soviet writer Ostrovsky. It is an epic novel set against the backdrop of the Soviet Revolution. The book portrays the shining figure of Pavlo Korchagin, praising his indomitable spirit, strong will, perseverance through hardships, and courage in fighting illness during the revolutionary war. The book is filled with revolutionary passion and idealism, leaving a strong impact and influencing generations. How the Steel Was Tempered is set against the historical period of the Russian October Revolution (1915 to the early 1930s). It depicts the social changes, class struggles, and the mentality of people from different strata during that time. In 1917, the October Revolution broke out in Russia, ending the autocratic rule of the Tsar and establishing the dictatorship of the proletariat. The newly born Soviet state faced severe tasks: domestically, dismantling the old state machinery, suppressing counter-revolutionary forces, and actively engaging in economic construction; externally, resisting armed intervention by imperialist powers and defending the new regime. This novel vividly reflects the social reality of that historical period, truly deserving of being called a great epic of the Soviet Revolution and construction.
When Mother saw Pavlo return home, she was both surprised, delighted, and worried. The old woman used herbs to fumigate and massaged his two swollen, painful legs. After a little over a month, he was able to walk without crutches. Overwhelmed with joy, the evening turned into dawn. Pavlo went to the provincial capital. Three days later, the Organization Department issued a recommendation letter, sending him to the provincial military enlistment committee. A week later, he went to the border town of Berezhov, serving as the political commissar of the second training camp. Here, there were still only a small number of party and league members. Soon after, he accepted a commission to establish a party and league organization in the new district. He actively participated in reelecting the Soviet government, suppressing bandits, carrying out cultural activities, enforcing customs regulations, and strengthening party and league work within the troops. Every day, as soon as he dismounted, he went to his desk; as soon as he left his desk, he rushed to the training ground for new recruits; he also had to go to the club, to school, and attend two or three meetings. In the evening, he rode his horse with his gun slung, patrolling the area. If he spotted anything suspicious, he would shout sharply, "Stop! Who are you?" and listen carefully for the sound of wheels, wondering if it was a smuggling cart crossing the border.