Alexievich, S. [The Unwomanly Face of War] U voiny ne zhenskoe litso. Association copy.

Alexievich, S. [The Unwomanly Face of War] U voiny ne zhenskoe litso. [Preface by Ales Adamovich].

Designed by V. Masterov.

Minsk: Mastatskaya litaratura, 1985. 8vo (210 x 135 mm). 315, [5] pp.

In original cardboard binding; illustrated; lightly dusted, corners dented. Inscribed by the author to the title page. Overall in good condition.

Inscribed by the author: [To the beautiful and wise Elina Avraamovna Bystritskaya. I admire you! Svetlana Alexievich. 3.IX.85. Minsk.].

Belarusian journalist and writer Svetlana Alexievich (b. 1948), the Nobel Prize laureate in Literature (2015), inscribed this book to actress Elina Bystritskaya (1928-2019). Bystritskaya took part in writing and production of the play Random Waltz (1985). It was written for the The Moscow State Variety Theatre based on the book. Bystritskaya acted in eight different roles, telling the stories of eight different characters, singing in Russian, Ukrainian, and German.

It's worth noting that Alexievich's recognition as a Nobel laureate marked a significant milestone as she became the first writer from Belarus to receive this prestigious award.

The Unwomanly Face of War stands as the inaugural work in Alexievich's series titled Voices of Utopia, comprising five books. The novel employs a novel literary technique, presenting monologues of women who experienced World War II, offering unique perspectives on various aspects of the war. The creation of this groundbreaking work was preceded by seven years of extensive interviews and travel across different Soviet republics. Alexievich engaged with approximately 800 women to compile their stories for the book.

In 1985, the era of Perestroika began, opening up discussions on previously forbidden topics. Regrettably, the first edition of this book was released in a censored format, but it was eventually republished in an uncensored version in 2004.

The novel features a preface written by Soviet Belarusian writer and democratic activist Ales Adamovich (1927-1994). Adamovich was renowned for his works centered around the German occupation of Byelorussia during World War II. He is best known for his books Khatyn and The Blockade Book, as well as his screenplay for the film Come and See (1985), directed by Elem Klimov. Alexievich acknowledges Adamovich as her primary mentor, instrumental in guiding her on her literary journey.

This first edition also includes illustrations with photographs of the female characters featured in the novel.