Boris Shtern
Ukraine- Biography of Boris Shtern
- Emergence as a Writer
- Recognition and Later Works
- Unconventional Author
- Contributions to Science Fiction
- Membership in the Union of Soviet Writers
Biography of Boris Shtern
Boris Shtern, an award-winning science fiction writer, was born and raised in Odessa. He graduated from the Faculty of Philology at Odessa State University and worked as a laborer. Shtern was known for his friendship with Siberian writer Gennady Prashkevich, and together they formed a creative bond.
Emergence as a Writer
Shtern's first story, "Whose Planet?" was published in 1975 and received critical acclaim. However, due to its daring and sometimes vulgar content, his stories struggled to find a place in Soviet literature, resulting in infrequent publications.
Recognition and Later Works
In the early 1990s, Shtern began actively publishing his works. He released collections such as "Who's There?" and "Naked Girl," which showcased his unique writing style. His novel "Ethiop" received the prestigious Bronze Snail award. Tragically, Shtern passed away in 1998, leaving his novel "Forward, Stable!" unfinished, which was published posthumously.
Unconventional Author
Shtern earned a reputation as an unconventional author within Russian science fiction. His lively and expressive language, reminiscent of French author Boris Vian, and his frequent use of vulgar symbolism and profanity set him apart. Shtern's literary range extended from plays and librettos to poetry and novels.
Contributions to Science Fiction
Shtern was also known for his descriptions of vast spatial dimensions in literature, second only to Kurt Vonnegut's "The Big Space Fuck." His story "The Missing Link" depicted the most grandiose and time-consuming cosmic coupling process. These contributions to the genre earned Shtern recognition as the best science fiction writer in Europe, a distinction previously held only by the Strugatsky brothers and Stanislaw Lem.
Membership in the Union of Soviet Writers
In 1988, Shtern became a member of the Union of Soviet Writers, further solidifying his place within the literary community.
