Translated from Russian by Anzor Abzhandadze

One of his contemporaries called Vasily Shukshin the last genius of the Russian literature. He certainly was one of the few writers who managed to blow some fresh air into the otherwise stale and suffocating Soviet atmosphere.

He was highly popular and equally impressive as a writer, filmmaker and actor. His stories reveal deep sympathy for people, their pain and joy. His narrative is noteworthy for philosophical issues discussed with a sense of humour.