In a commemorative act marking the 85th birthday of a renowned Russian writer, a row of larch trees was planted in Yekaterinburg. The event was reported by TASS and embraced by the local community as a living tribute to a beloved literary voice.
A total of 85 trees now line a quiet stretch within the Shuvakish forest park, chosen to symbolize the enduring memory of the author’s work. Nearby, organizers placed a display featuring 85 names of heroes from the writer’s stories and novels, turning the street into a gallery of characters who have left a lasting imprint on readers’ imaginations.
Officials explained that these living memorials honor figures such as Sergei Kakhovsky and Genka the Grasshopper from the novel The Boy with a Sword, as well as Maxim and Tanya from the story Boltik, anchoring the tribute to well-loved figures from the author’s fictional universe.
The writer was born on October 14, 1938, and after completing his schooling he enrolled at the Tyumen Pedagogical Institute, where German language studies formed a core part of his academic path. His early career included work with Vecherniy Sverdlovsk, a regional newspaper, during which time he began publishing his short fiction for a broader audience. The first story appeared in Ural Pathfinder in 1960, signaling the start of a prolific literary journey.
Two years later, the writer’s first book, Orion’s Flight, was released, opening the door to a string of acclaimed works. Over the ensuing years, titles such as The Boy with a Sword, Crane and Lightning, and Three from Carronade Square cemented his status as a distinctive voice in regional and national literature, celebrated for vivid character portraits and imaginative storytelling that resonated with readers of all ages.
There have been notable efforts to honor the author in public life as well. In past discussions, some authorities considered naming a plane after the writer, an idea that did not come to fruition. Nevertheless, the cultural footprint of the author remains strong, and the commemorative street in Yekaterinburg serves as a tangible reminder of his contributions to literature and to the cultural landscape of the region. The ongoing reverence for his work reflects a broader interest in preserving literary heritage and promoting reading across generations, ensuring that new readers discover the stories that have long captivated audiences in Russia and beyond.