The Story of Zoya and Shura – L. Kosmodemyanskaya

Title: The Story of Zoya and Shura

Author: L. Kosmodemyanskaya

Publisher: Foreign Language Publishing House

Edition & Year: 1953 Edition

Pages & Size: 284 pages · Hardcover · 5 in × 8 in

Experience one of the most heartfelt tributes to wartime bravery with L. Kosmodemyanskaya’s The Story of Zoya and Shura, published in 1953 by the Foreign Language Publishing House. Spanning 284 pages, this compact hardcover (5 × 8 in) offers an intimate portrait of Zoya and Alexander (Shura) Kosmodemyansky, two young Soviet partisans whose resilience against Nazi occupation became legendary during the Second World War.

Written by their mother, Lyubov Kosmodemyanskaya, the book blends personal memories, letters, and factual reporting to present a vivid picture of family bonds tested by war. It traces their upbringing, education, and moral convictions before recounting their determined involvement in the underground resistance. Zoya’s capture and martyrdom, along with Shura’s own steadfast service on the front, form the emotional core of the narrative.

Key aspects highlighted in this edition include:

• Biographical Depth: An authentic account grounded in letters, diaries, and eyewitness testimony.

• Historical Insight: A clear window into the Soviet partisan movement and the broader struggle on the Eastern Front.

• Emotional Resonance: A mother’s voice honoring the ideals of duty, courage, and youthful integrity.

• Collectible Format: Sturdy hardcover binding and accessible dimensions make it a durable addition to personal or institutional libraries.

Beyond its historical value, this book serves as a testament to moral strength and patriotic devotion in the face of overwhelming adversity. Its straightforward prose and poignant storytelling make it suitable for students of history, biographical literature enthusiasts, and collectors of rare WWII publications.

• First-person biographical account of Soviet war heroes Zoya and Shura Kosmodemyansky

• Authored by their mother, L. Kosmodemyanskaya

• 284 pages of narrative, letters, and historical context

• Published by Foreign Language Publishing House, 1953 edition

• Durable hardcover (5 × 8 in), ideal for reference or display

• A must-read for WWII history lovers, biographical readers, and collectors of Soviet-era literature