Alexievich, Svetlana [The Unwomanly Face of War]. U Voiny Ne Zhenskoe Litso...

[Preface by Ales Adamovich].
Designed by V. Masterov.

Minsk, Mastatckaia litaratura, 1985.
8vo, 315, [5] pp., ill.

In publisher’s hardcover. Signed and inscribed to title page.
Near very good condition.

Signed and inscribed by the author: 'Dorogomu Anatoliiu / Nikolaevichu Zhukovu - na / dobruiu pamiat’ o nashem / peredelkinskom sosedstve. / Svetlana Aleksievich / 6.VIII.85 g. / g. Minsk'. [To Anatoly Nikolaevich Zhukov – in fond memory of our neighborhood in Peredelkino. Svetlana Aleksievich. August 6th, 1985. Minsk]. 
First book edition. One of the first two books by Alexievich (both were published in 1985).

Belarusian journalist and writer Svetlana Alexievich (b. 1948), the Nobel Prize laureate in Literature (2015), signed this book to the Soviet writer Anatoliy Zhukov (1931-2013). Anatoliy Zhukov served as the chairman of the board of directors at Sovetskiy Pisatel’ Publishing House in Moscow, where 'The Unwomanly Face of War' was published in 1988. 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.

We couldn’t trace any copy of this edition in the USA or European libraries via OCLC.