Vladimir Bogomolov (writer)

Vladimir Osipovich Bogomolov (Russian: Владимир Осипович Богомолов; 3 July 1924 – 30 December 2003) was a Soviet and Russian writer known primarily for his war-themed prose.

Bogomolov was born in the village of Kirillovka, Moscow Governorate. He served in the Soviet Army during World War II, initially as a rank-and-file soldier and later as an intelligence officer. His wartime experiences profoundly influenced his literary work.

He is best known for his novella Ivan's Childhood (Иван, 1957), a stark and moving portrayal of a young orphaned boy who serves as a scout for the Soviet Army during the war. The story was later adapted into the acclaimed film Ivan's Childhood (also known as My Name Is Ivan) directed by Andrei Tarkovsky.

Another notable work is his novel August '44 (В августе сорок четвёртого…, 1974), also known as The Moment of Truth. This novel, based on declassified KGB archives, is a detailed and realistic depiction of Soviet counterintelligence operations in Belorussia during the final months of World War II. It follows the intense search for a German spy network. This novel was also adapted into a film, In August of 1944.

Bogomolov's writing style is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, realism, and psychological depth. He often focused on the moral complexities of war and the impact of conflict on individuals. He dedicated significant time to research and historical accuracy in his works. He was a demanding writer who was known for his meticulous revisions and his refusal to compromise his artistic vision. His works are considered significant contributions to Soviet and Russian war literature.