Viktor Astafiev Died

Famous Russian writer, classic of modern Russian literature Viktor Astafiev, 78, died of a heart failure last night. In accordance with his will, Astafiev will be buried in his native village Ovsyanka near Krasnoyarsk (Krasnoyarsk is the centre of the Krasnoyarsk Territory in East Siberia). Russia has lost an outstanding personality. Astafiev had a great influence on the public way of thinking in the 20th century. His works reflected the Russian life, the Russian national character and made people think about the past and the future of the nation. Astafiev wrote a lot of stories and one of the best Russian novels on the World War II in which he was until the victory. Viktor Astafiev's creative activity is popular not only among his compatriots but is also well-known abroad. His books were translated into 27 foreign languages. The writer was honoured with many Russian awards. He was the winner of the State Prize and was awarded the title of the Hero of Socialist Labour (the highest Soviet title).