Requiem for the Caravan PQ-17

Valentin Pikul's book "Requiem for the PQ-17 Caravan" is dedicated to one of the dramatic episodes of World War II - the destruction of the Allied convoy in northern latitudes. This work, which the author himself called a documentary tragedy, can confidently be called the writer's calling card. Valentin Pikul demonstrated himself in this book as a documentary writer, not glossing over reality, but seeking the truth. The autobiographical story "Boys with Bows" tells about the creation of the Young Sailors' School on the Solovetsky Islands to replenish the Naval Fleet during World War II. The author portrays himself under the name of the main character, Savka Ogurtsov. This story is an invitation to reflect on the mystery: how and why do such imposing personalities grow on such neglected soil?