A Book of the Blockade by Daniil Granin. Short summary

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The work describes the life of people during the siege of Leningrad. How they had to suffer from cold and hunger, hide during bombardments, bury their relatives and loved ones.

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The book is dedicated to the 900 days of the siege of Leningrad. Much attention is given to memoirs of how the townspeople suffered from hunger and cold, furniture was burned for warmth, water was dragged from the Neva River, there was a struggle for survival.

The winter of 1941-1942 was cold, up to -30 ° C, warm clothes did not save. Despite the difficult situation, on New Year’s holidays there were matinees for children, the most valuable and surprising gift were tangerines delivered on ice from Georgia. In spring, people felt better — Leningraders gathered nettles and dandelions, made soup and cakes with them, someone planted potatoes outside the city.

The author recounts with amazement the story of the head of the orphanage, when she was glad to see two children fighting. It was perceived as a return to her former life.

There were 2.5 million people living in pre-war Leningrad, after the blockade only 700,000 remained.