Life and Fate Read Along, Part 1 Chapter 70

This post, covering Part 1, Chapter 70 is part of The Slavic Literature Pod’s chapter a day read along of Vasily Grossman’s Life and Fate. Learn more about our project here.

While mulling over his plans for a prison revolt, we are given more insight into Yershov’s history.  We see a glimpse into the past of his guilt-ridden father struggling with life after the death of his wife and daughters. We get just a peak into the world between father and sun when “That night his father told his story. He spoke calmly and quietly. What he described could only be spoken about quietly; it could never be conveyed by tears or screams,” (p. 315).

Yershov’s backstory gives us just a small look into the hushed conversations that often carried the most danger with them. After his father’s death, Yershov carried on this tradition. In hushed, quiet tones Yershov continues to plan his revolt—perhaps some of the most dangerous conversations of all.