Vanya by Myrna Grant

In the book Vanya, by Myrna Grant the author used a collaboration of different methods of writing and structure in her book. At the beginning, the author used several descriptions, portraying the whole situation and scene, as it would have appeared 80 years ago in a Russian family and community. She described the family, its members, the family’s church and friends, and its neighborhood, setting the scene very effectively. Within a matter of a chapter though, the author changed her style dramatically. This author changed to a style with shorter sentences, more dialogue, and a slightly less detailed process of explaining situations and setting scenes.

Persecuted people, particularly Christians, all around the world can relate to this book. People of all ethnicities, races, and backgrounds can see the power of God displayed in the Russian soldier, Vanya, through this book. Indeed, the book was originally written in Russian. Since then, publishers have published this book in 15 different languages, reaching from South America to the persecuted church in China. This book inspires and encourages the reader, while also angering him at times because of the harsh and undeserved punishment this Christian soldier endured. Readers who enjoy adventure, books that do not run on and on seemingly without end, and books that have plots based on true stories would enjoy reading this book. If you like a longer book, full of details, and perhaps not based on a true story, then this book would probably not interest you. Overall though, this book has many principles and morals that many people can relate to.

Throughout the book, the author presents both skewed and upright morals. She gives the officers and lieutenants of the Red Army as examples. They had no respect for God; they also lacked respect for other people, by trying to constantly force their beliefs on them. And in addition, the officers in the Red army were cruel, hard – hearted, and very slow to learn. Vanya, on the other hand displayed some excellent morals: obedience, kindness, self control, he loved those who persecuted him, and he had a good attitude in all situations. Clearly, the two sets of morals presented in the book were complete opposites from each other. As a whole, the book encourages self – examination and it helps put into perspective the important things in life – God and people. By showing the cruelties endured by this Russian soldier, this book encourages non-Christians to change their lives and live for God. It also encourages Christians to keep on the path towards the prize at the end of the road –eternal life with God.

As a whole, this book had a rather serious message. This was the story of a Russian soldier tortured and eventually martyred for his faith. Through compelling examples, the author made the reader feel sadness and anger, over the pain and torture the main character had to undergo. Although the author imparted strong messages in the book, she also had a few paragraphs and stories that made the reader chuckle or even laugh. Overall, the author portrayed an accurate story, and also made it applicable to the lives of people around the world.

Vanya, as you most likely knew, was the main character, or hero, in this book. He displayed all of the characteristics that one would expect of a main character. Our main character displayed bravery, love towards his enemies, and he obeyed his commanding officers even when they treated him cruelly. Another character that added to the book’s worth was a sergeant named Prokhorov. Prokhorov and Vanya had a great friendship, and he continually encouraged and cheered Vanya. Lieutenant Malsin, though corrupt, also added to the book’s persuasiveness and power. Had it not been for lieutenant Malsin, very few of the trials, questionings, and tortures that Vanya underwent would have taken place. This man aided in the book by capturing the reader’s interest. Myrna Grant stereotyped many of the commanding officers in the Red Army. She would introduce them then elaborate on their cruelty to their soldiers and their lack of self-control. Grant would continue on this path until she had pointed out nearly all of the officer’s flaws.

Overall, this book interested and informed the reader about the life of this Christian soldier in the Red Army. This book was also unique because it was written from a Russian point of view, giving the reader a look into Russian culture. It was well written, and did not drag on with cumbersome details. Myrna Grant used vivid examples and accurate depictions to bring to life the story of this young soldier. I would highly recommend this book.

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