Vladimir Bogomolov’s “Ivan” is a poignant novella set during World War II, focusing on the tragic life of a 12-year-old boy named Ivan Bondarev. Orphaned by the war, Ivan becomes a scout for the Soviet army, using his small size and agility to infiltrate enemy lines. Despite his youth, Ivan is driven by a deep desire for revenge against the Nazis, who destroyed his family. The novella explores the brutal impact of war on innocence, highlighting the psychological toll on a child forced into a soldier’s role. Through Ivan’s story, Bogomolov vividly portrays the loss of childhood and humanity in the face of war.
This particular version is from The Moment of Truth: A Novel and Two Stories translated into English by Raguda Publishers in 1982.
You can get the book here and here
All credits to June Shaukat
Mir Books 