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Vasily Grossman - Biography

Semenovich Grossman was born on December 12, 1905 in the city of Berdichev, Russian Empire (now Ukraine). His family was Jewish, and he grew up in an atmosphere of multicultural surroundings. After showing an early interest in literature and writing, Grossman began writing poetry and short stories as a child.

After graduation, he entered the medical faculty of Kyiv University, but soon decided that his true passion was in literature. He switched to journalism and began publishing his articles and stories in various publications.

Vasily began his literary career as an author of short stories and articles. His first novel, "The Eldest Son" (1936), received positive reviews, but his true breakthrough was the novel "Life and Fate" (1960). This work about World War II and the Holocaust, as well as human values and moral dilemmas, aroused great interest among readers and critics.

"Life and Fate" was banned in the Soviet Union and its manuscript was seized by the government. However, he kept a copy of the manuscript that was published after his death. This book is considered one of the greatest literary works about the Second World War.

Grossman was also known for his journalistic work. During World War II, he worked as a correspondent in various front-line zones, documenting events and testifying to the terrible consequences of the conflict. His reporting and letters home became important sources of information about the war and the Holocaust.

He was also one of the first journalists to visit Nazi-liberated concentration camps, and his testimonies of prisoner suffering became part of historical records of the Holocaust.