His Name Was Not Listed

Summary

The book «His Name Was Not Listed» by Boris Vasilyev tells the story of a young lieutenant, Nikolai Pluzhnikov, who finds himself in the Brest Fortress during the early days of World War II. He arrives there by assignment and is immediately surrounded. Pluzhnikov, not officially listed among the garrison, becomes one of the fortress's defenders. The story narrates his heroic struggle, resilience, and courage, as well as his love for a nurse named Mira. Despite the hardships and horrors of war, Pluzhnikov remains true to his duty until the very end.

Main Ideas

• Heroism and self-sacrifice: The main character, Nikolai Pluzhnikov, displays incredible bravery and selflessness while defending the Brest Fortress in the early days of World War II.
• Human dignity: Despite the horrific conditions of war, the characters maintain their human dignity and moral principles.
• Memory and history: The book emphasizes the importance of preserving the memory of heroic deeds and war tragedies for future generations.
• Love and friendship: In the midst of war, deep human emotions such as love and friendship emerge, helping the characters survive and fight.
• Immortality of heroism: Vasilyev shows that the heroism of the Brest Fortress defenders remains in the people's memory, even though many of them were «not listed in the records».

Historical Context and Significance

Boris Vasilyev's novel «His Name Was Not Listed» holds significant historical and cultural importance. The book recounts the heroic defense of the Brest Fortress in the early days of World War II. The main character, Lieutenant Nikolai Pluzhnikov, symbolizes the resilience and courage of Soviet soldiers who fought to their last breath. Vasilyev masterfully conveys the atmosphere of those tragic days, depicting not only the military actions but also the inner world of the characters, their experiences, and emotions. The novel has become an important part of Soviet and Russian war literature, contributing to the preservation of the memory of the Brest Fortress defenders' heroism. The book also influenced subsequent works about World War II and continues to be relevant for study in schools and universities, shaping the patriotic education of the younger generation.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Nikolai Pluzhnikov - the main character of the book, a young lieutenant who arrives at the Brest Fortress on the eve of World War II. At the beginning of the book, he appears as an inexperienced and naive young man, but as the story unfolds, he shows courage, resilience, and selflessness, defending the fortress to the end.
• Sasha - a girl whom Nikolai Pluzhnikov meets in the fortress. She becomes his friend and support during difficult times. Sasha also shows courage and resilience, helping the wounded and maintaining morale.
• Commander Zubachev - one of the commanders defending the Brest Fortress. He is an experienced and decisive military leader who inspires his subordinates to fight. His character is revealed through his actions and decisions in extreme conditions.
• Corporal Kozhemyakin - a soldier who fights alongside Pluzhnikov and other defenders of the fortress against the enemy. He demonstrates loyalty and dedication to his comrades despite harsh conditions and the constant threat of death.

Style and Technique

Boris Vasilyev's novel «His Name Was Not Listed» is written in a realistic style, with an emphasis on historical accuracy and the psychological depth of the characters. The author uses simple yet expressive language that helps convey the atmosphere of wartime and the inner experiences of the heroes. Literary techniques include the use of internal monologue, flashbacks, and symbolism. The narrative structure is linear, with a clear chronological order of events, allowing the reader to follow the plot's development and the evolution of the main character. Vasilyev masterfully conveys the tragedy and heroism of war, creating deep and memorable images.

Interesting Facts

• The book tells the story of the young lieutenant Nikolai Pluzhnikov, who found himself in the Brest Fortress during the early days of World War II.
• The main character is indeed fictional, but his image is a composite based on the real heroics of the Brest Fortress defenders.
• The work was written based on real events that took place in the Brest Fortress in June 1941.
• The book highlights the importance of human spirit and courage, showing how one person can significantly influence the course of events.
• The work was adapted into a film in 1995 under the title «I Am a Russian Soldier».

Book Review

«His Name Was Not Listed» by Boris Vasilyev is a poignant and tragic novel about heroism and self-sacrifice. Critics note that the book masterfully conveys the atmosphere of the early days of World War II, when the Brest Fortress became a symbol of resilience and courage. The main character, Lieutenant Nikolai Pluzhnikov, embodies the ideals of honor and duty, remaining faithful to his oath until his last breath. Vasilyev succeeds in creating a deep psychological portrait of a man who, despite fear and despair, does not lose his human dignity. Critics also emphasize the realism and emotional richness of the narrative, making the novel not only historically significant but also deeply personal for every reader.