Life and Fate Author:Vasily Grossman At the centre of this epic novel, overshadowing the lives of its huge cast of Russian and German characters, looms the battle of Stalingrad. Within a world torn apart by ideological tyranny and war, Grossman's characters must work out their destinies. — "The humanity and grace with which Grossman reconstructs the tragedy of 350,000 people at Stal... more »ingrad recalls Tolstoy; the great sadness with which Grossman imbues discussions of solidarity, friendship, dignity recalls Dostoevsky; the gentleness and sensitivity with which Grossman euologizes the simpe life recalls Chekhov"« less