Silence

This book is conceived as a memoir. It is indeed a memory of a loved one, of those who have been close for many years or of those met by the author very recently in the territory of the SVO. This book is about love, which runs through each page, literally soaked in it. In this love, sadness and hope merge with astonishing strength. Hope that the deeds and actions of these people will not be forgotten, will not be lost, will not vanish into oblivion.
The author is Svetlana Bolshakova, an extraordinary person, a wonderful specialist—an art historian and restorer, a teacher, the mother of two daughters and two grandchildren. She has been fortunate to share part of her life with another extraordinary person. A great feeling of love united and bonded her with Yevgeny Bolshakov, along with their profession as artists-restorers, a deep knowledge of art, especially Ancient Russia, and a constant practice of collaborative work. Honesty, selflessness, professionalism, and willingness to help formed the essence of their life. And, of course, patriotism. We often hesitate to pronounce this word, but it applies fully to the Bolshakovs. Russia, its history, its art, the search for and preservation of what is important and valuable for the country remains their constant concern. Therefore, S. Bolshakova's book is a uniquely represented history of domestic science on Russian culture, about various stages of domestic restoration, its participants, and those who are still ready to sacrifice "their lives" for Russia. The point is that in seeking to preserve the memory of her beloved husband, S. Bolshakova practically opens up little-known pages of our culture's history, capturing the most interesting and significant personalities in their searches and works, citizens of the Russian state.