The Cursed and Killed

Brief Overview

The novel «The Cursed and Killed» by Viktor Petrovich Astafyev narrates the tragic fates of soldiers and officers of the Red Army during World War II. The author depicts the brutal and relentless realities of the front, where human life is devalued, and moral and ethical norms are shattered. The main characters, young soldiers, face the horrors of war, betrayal, fear, and death. Through their stories, Astafyev illustrates how war cripples the souls and bodies of people, turning them into «the cursed and killed». The novel raises questions about the meaning of life and death, human dignity, and resilience in the face of inevitable demise.