What do you think?
Rate this book
Vanya: A true story of Ivan Moiseyev, persecuted for his faith
A Classic That's Inspired Millions!
Out of the dark shadows of Soviet atheism rose a fearless young man whose boldness for Christ would make him a testimony to millions of believers around the world. This is the true story of Ivan (Vanya) Moiseyev, a soldier in the Soviet Red Army who was ruthlessly persecuted and incarcerated for his faith. Through two years of trial and torture, he never denied his Savior, and he never hesitated to share the gospel with anyone who would listen. You'll be inspired to live for Christ in your own world as never before after you experience the gripping story of a believer named Vanya.
Out of the dark shadows of Soviet atheism rose a fearless young man whose boldness for Christ would make him a testimony to millions of believers around the world. This is the true story of Ivan (Vanya) Moiseyev, a soldier in the Soviet Red Army who was ruthlessly persecuted and incarcerated for his faith. Through two years of trial and torture, he never denied his Savior, and he never hesitated to share the gospel with anyone who would listen. You'll be inspired to live for Christ in your own world as never before after you experience the gripping story of a believer named Vanya.
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
48 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
About the author
Myrna Grant
36 books19 followersMyrna Grant is a published author of children's books and young adult books. Some of the published credits of Myrna Grant include Ivan and the Informer, Ivan and the Moscow Circus (The Ivan Series), Ivan and the Daring Escape (Ivan).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 29, 2012
There is much to be commended in this book: a decision to popularize the podvig (Russian for "spiritual feat") of Pvt. Ivan Moiseev, a decently-written narrative, inclusion of various documents and their English translations in an appendix. But I can only grant "Vanya" one star according to the Goodreads system ("didn't like it"): Grant lets her imagination roam far too far from the bare truth for my taste, embellishing Vanya's real-life suffering and eventual martyrdom with sketched-in digressions about the daily life and, even more egregiously, the inner thoughts of various personages, all of them rooted in Western stereotypes of "Sovietness". Alas, in trying to make Ivan's witness accessible, Grant has instead turned it into a paperback page-turner. This would be acceptable, if only the cover clearly stated "based on a true story". But it doesn't. Those readers untrained in close textual analysis are left believing that details of army officials' home lives are just as faithfully conveyed as the actual facts of Vanya's life and death.
God loves Lt. Col. Malsin just as much as he loves Ivan Moiseev. Full stop. Given that the events described in Grant's book occurred forty years ago, it is quite possible that Moiseev's various torturers are dead. I don't think it's fair to put any thoughts, especially evil ones, even into a dead man's head for the sake of emotional "truth", for the sake of narrative accessibility. In my opinion, such dramatization cheapens an uplifting, and more importantly, a true story.
I would suggest reading this book, but only Part II, wherein Vanya and actual, historical documents are allowed to speak for themselves. And if Vanya Moiseev touches your heart, I suggest checking out "Fr. Arseny: Priest, Prisoner, and Spiritual Father", published in part by St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. The witness of Soviet Christians is at once beautiful and painfully humbling. Would that our Lord give us all the strength to call on His holy Name, even unto death.
God loves Lt. Col. Malsin just as much as he loves Ivan Moiseev. Full stop. Given that the events described in Grant's book occurred forty years ago, it is quite possible that Moiseev's various torturers are dead. I don't think it's fair to put any thoughts, especially evil ones, even into a dead man's head for the sake of emotional "truth", for the sake of narrative accessibility. In my opinion, such dramatization cheapens an uplifting, and more importantly, a true story.
I would suggest reading this book, but only Part II, wherein Vanya and actual, historical documents are allowed to speak for themselves. And if Vanya Moiseev touches your heart, I suggest checking out "Fr. Arseny: Priest, Prisoner, and Spiritual Father", published in part by St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. The witness of Soviet Christians is at once beautiful and painfully humbling. Would that our Lord give us all the strength to call on His holy Name, even unto death.
December 19, 2021
Gelezen begin jaren '80.
November 8, 2014
Ivan (Vanya) Moiseyev was a soldier in the Soviet Army in the early 1970s. He was also a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and though the army officials continually hounded him to renounce his faith, he refused to do so. Throughout the first year of his training in the army Vanya faced numerous persecutions, but also experienced many miracles (which frequently were witnessed by fellow soldiers and made them rethink their beliefs). Eventually, Vanya was killed for his unwillingness to bend to the wishes of the commanders and his persistence in answering questions about his faith when asked by fellow soldiers.
I had never heard of Vanya before. A colleague and I were talking about amazing stories of Christian witness and faith, and the next day he handed me this book to read. Though the book is 266 p. long, the biography is only about 2/3 of that. The rest of the pages are transcriptions from Vanya's recordings, personal correspondence, and copies of newspaper articles about him (with accompanying English translations for each). This is an inspirational story of how God can uphold someone through persecution and use those trials to make Himself known to others.
Notes on content: Three minor swear words. No sexual content. The tortures that Vanya goes through are mostly glossed over. The ones described are exhausting or miserable (such as standing out in the sub-zero temperatures for hours at a time), but not bloody. An incident when Vanya was run over by a car and his arm and one lung were crushed is somewhat described, but without any gory details (and then it is related how after they told him he would have the arm amputated and part of the lung surgically removed, the next day he was perfectly fine and the Soviet doctor himself called it a miracle). You get the idea that Vanya was punched and physically harmed in numerous ways from a description of bruising and such of his body after death, but the moments when these happened to him are not described.
I had never heard of Vanya before. A colleague and I were talking about amazing stories of Christian witness and faith, and the next day he handed me this book to read. Though the book is 266 p. long, the biography is only about 2/3 of that. The rest of the pages are transcriptions from Vanya's recordings, personal correspondence, and copies of newspaper articles about him (with accompanying English translations for each). This is an inspirational story of how God can uphold someone through persecution and use those trials to make Himself known to others.
Notes on content: Three minor swear words. No sexual content. The tortures that Vanya goes through are mostly glossed over. The ones described are exhausting or miserable (such as standing out in the sub-zero temperatures for hours at a time), but not bloody. An incident when Vanya was run over by a car and his arm and one lung were crushed is somewhat described, but without any gory details (and then it is related how after they told him he would have the arm amputated and part of the lung surgically removed, the next day he was perfectly fine and the Soviet doctor himself called it a miracle). You get the idea that Vanya was punched and physically harmed in numerous ways from a description of bruising and such of his body after death, but the moments when these happened to him are not described.
January 24, 2019
This is the 'biography' of Ivan Moiseyev, the soldier in the Soviet Red Army who was persecuted and killed for his Christian faith. After all, to believe in any God and specially in a Christian God is unacceptable to Communist ideology. The premise is interesting.
But I failed to get into the skin of the character. Even though it is based on the true event, the author renders it in a hagiographical manner. Not that I am against hagiography. But the way it is presented is too spiritualized for my Catholic tastes. The biography is more a legend than a life story. It is where, I think, the author failed. But then, it was written with a view to educate the children and teenagers (specially to Protestants) to remain steadfast in Christian faith.
So, it might do well if it encounters the target audience.
But I failed to get into the skin of the character. Even though it is based on the true event, the author renders it in a hagiographical manner. Not that I am against hagiography. But the way it is presented is too spiritualized for my Catholic tastes. The biography is more a legend than a life story. It is where, I think, the author failed. But then, it was written with a view to educate the children and teenagers (specially to Protestants) to remain steadfast in Christian faith.
So, it might do well if it encounters the target audience.
January 10, 2020
I read this book for the first time in the early 1980s. It is the true story of a young man in the Soviet Union who was a devout Christian and all that he suffered when forced to become a member of the army. Not only brutally treated by his governing officers but also his fellow soldiers.
Yet in the midst of the torture, like being forced to stand outside at attention for days in the middle of winter without even a coat, God continued to spare his life over and over in amazing and extremely miraculous ways.
His beaten corpse was sent home to his family who were told that he had died an "accidental" death. This is the story of Ivan Moiseyev's family who refused to keep quiet and their search for the truth of how he died, why he died and the effects his uncompromising faith in Jesus had on those who witnessed his last days.
It is a quick-paced story that relies equally on all the evidence garnered at great risk in this oppressive, Communist regime and the strong emotion surrounding a young man who had a heart for all suffering and lonely people and his Christ-like ability to forgive and love the very people who were torturing him.
Be prepared to be forever changed and if you believe that God does not still perform miracles for His beloved children to this day, that belief will be challenged.
Thank you for reading another of my reviews.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
February 4, 2019
Ivan "Vanya" Moiseyev is a shining example of a selfless follower of Christ Jesus.
"Vanya" is a true story about a young man in the Soviet Army in 1971 & 1972 who refuses to deny his faith.
He not only refuses to renounce his faith, but openly shares it and the message of God's love with his comrades, teachers, doctors, and superior officers!
It was such a good book, I couldn't put it down. I read it in 2 1/2 hours!
Highly recommend this book.
Once you read the story of Vanya, you will never forget it.
Content:
Two, maybe three uses of the "D" word. (Similar to "darn".)
"Vanya" is a true story about a young man in the Soviet Army in 1971 & 1972 who refuses to deny his faith.
He not only refuses to renounce his faith, but openly shares it and the message of God's love with his comrades, teachers, doctors, and superior officers!
It was such a good book, I couldn't put it down. I read it in 2 1/2 hours!
Highly recommend this book.
Once you read the story of Vanya, you will never forget it.
Content:
Two, maybe three uses of the "D" word. (Similar to "darn".)
June 24, 2024
I'm rather fond of true stories, and this one was pretty good. It was a bit dry in some places, but I managed to read the whole book pretty quickly. It was easy to read despite being slow.
If I were to explain what "Vanya: A True Story of Ivan Moiseyev, Persecuted for His Faith" was about, it would be simply put as a tale of a man discovering Jesus and the way the world reacts around him during one of the most atheistic times in the soviet army.
I really enjoyed the second part of the book where all the historical documents are.
I find that Grant was overly frantic in her descriptions and personal opinions. Rather than speaking facts, I found that she told a story instead.
If I were to explain what "Vanya: A True Story of Ivan Moiseyev, Persecuted for His Faith" was about, it would be simply put as a tale of a man discovering Jesus and the way the world reacts around him during one of the most atheistic times in the soviet army.
I really enjoyed the second part of the book where all the historical documents are.
I find that Grant was overly frantic in her descriptions and personal opinions. Rather than speaking facts, I found that she told a story instead.
March 2, 2009
Wow. An Amazing story of a young man martyred for his faith. Not ashamed, not trying to fly under the radar undetected in Marxist Russia.
I read a very old paperback copy and I had to keep reminding myself, the USSR is dissolved, there is religious tolerance now... I hope. It is such a waste of an amazing life to be brutally tortured & murdered in your youth for trying to live a life of purity, love and Christian character.
I read a very old paperback copy and I had to keep reminding myself, the USSR is dissolved, there is religious tolerance now... I hope. It is such a waste of an amazing life to be brutally tortured & murdered in your youth for trying to live a life of purity, love and Christian character.
April 18, 2013
This is a true story of Ivan (Vanya) Moiseyev, a soldier in the Soviet Red Army who was ruthlessly persecuted and incarcerated for his faith. He never denied his Savior, and he never hesitated to share the gospel with anyone who would listen. In our society we are given every opportunity to witness for Christ and experience little real persecution; the opposite as seen in Vanya’s life is stunning. Every American youth should read this story.
August 3, 2018
I'd agree that this is more "based on a true story" than it is an undramatized account. But knowing that, I appreciated the writing style and the skill of the author.
I could probably say more, but I'm holding a squirmy baby and it's hard to type.
I could probably say more, but I'm holding a squirmy baby and it's hard to type.
July 30, 2010
Engagingly written true account of a young Russian soldier whose profound and unshakeable Christian faith stirred hearts and continues to stir them years after he was martyred.
September 26, 2017
This was a story that highly impacted my own personal walk of faith. What that young Soviet soldier, Vanya, faced and endured was nothing short of amazing. This narrative is maybe a bit fictionalized for the sake of story format but the main and most important details, corroborated by actual documents and tapes, are most inspiring and heartbreaking. Reading this really makes you evaluate your level of commitment and obedience to Almighty God. It is a story that sticks. A story that not so very long ago actually happened. I am only years younger than Ivan (Vanya) Moiseyev and that makes it all the more impactful to me. This martyred saint of God was in my lifetime!
You learn a lot about communist Russia and the red army's agenda. The writing was pretty good considering the language was not originally in English. The storyline kept it fresh so you wouldn't get too bogged down in data or cold facts. I like that style. And the info and documents at the end helps you see exactly what was not fictitious storytelling and to my surprise very little of it was. In this case, truth was more exciting and heartbreaking than fiction. It was more of a true tale than anything and that makes it the evangelical tool it became and still is. This twenty year old soviet soldier has shown the world what REAL, hardcore faith in the Gospel of Christ Jesus really looks like. As things stand in the USA today, people of faith should take heed.
You learn a lot about communist Russia and the red army's agenda. The writing was pretty good considering the language was not originally in English. The storyline kept it fresh so you wouldn't get too bogged down in data or cold facts. I like that style. And the info and documents at the end helps you see exactly what was not fictitious storytelling and to my surprise very little of it was. In this case, truth was more exciting and heartbreaking than fiction. It was more of a true tale than anything and that makes it the evangelical tool it became and still is. This twenty year old soviet soldier has shown the world what REAL, hardcore faith in the Gospel of Christ Jesus really looks like. As things stand in the USA today, people of faith should take heed.
April 16, 2019
It is very easy for us in the west to dismiss the miracles that occurred in this book I think. I caught myself thinking along those lines and had to stop for a while and think why? This is the same God who revealed himself to Daniel and his friends, to Elijah and all those gathered at Mt Carmel, to Elisha’s servant whose eyes were opened to the league of angels surrounding them and the same God who conquered sin and death. If I believe this then why doubt what God had done for Vanya? I have not been persecuted in order to need such a sense of the Lords presence with me but I pray that if I am God would reveal himself in such a tangible way. I have read a few books like this now, The Heavenly Man comes to mind. What a profound encouragement this would be to persecuted Christian’s throughout the world that Jesus is indeed near, especially when called to suffer for His name. A wonderful story of faith enduring to the end.
February 7, 2017
This book is one of my favourites. It is such a touching story of real intimacy with God and how you can overcome whatever you face in life - even death. It also shows the brutal reality of persecution of Christians. I've cried so much reading this book, although it is so sad, it fills you with so much hope. More Christians need to read books like this.
The beauty of prayer and intimacy with God can make you withstand anything. Even standing all night in the freezing -50°C Russian whether on nothing else apart from a pair of shorts and a thin shirt. I don't like giving spoilers but trust me when I say that if you read this book, you won't forget it for the rest of your life.
The beauty of prayer and intimacy with God can make you withstand anything. Even standing all night in the freezing -50°C Russian whether on nothing else apart from a pair of shorts and a thin shirt. I don't like giving spoilers but trust me when I say that if you read this book, you won't forget it for the rest of your life.
July 15, 2012
I have read this book many, many times since I was a teenager and I'm reading it again. It is phenomenal. It is the true story of a soldiar in the army of the USSR (back in the 1970s) who loved Jesus with all his heart. Tremendous miracles occurred in and through his life. Ultimately, he was martyred. This book never fails to inspire and draw me closer to my loving heavenly Father.
July 6, 2014
A quick read about a modern martyr. Like many, the narrative seems imaginatively detailed, including thoughts from the man after his last outside contact before death. I might recommend someone skip the "story" and read the documents provided at the back of the book from which it is formed if you are interested in the account.
May 29, 2008
This is quite a story...makes you appreciate living in a country with religious freedom. Well worth reading, it just gets a little repetitive, but an amazing story about about attitude and testimony, and conviction.
March 30, 2009
How many times have I read this...yet it leaves a deep imprint on my life each time, starting with that first time high in the Mexican mountains. One thing sure...you realize your life has been too easy, and not close enough to God!!!
June 14, 2014
A fictionalized biography. Gripping story that I wish was true rather than 'based on a true story'. I felt my enjoyment interrupted by having to sort fact from fiction. The appendices with biographical documents are extremely interesting and helpful in the process of discernment.
December 17, 2015
The author had to take some liberties in writing Vanya to build the entire story. Despite that, I truly enjoyed this work and the servant that Vanya was by his 'sold-out' life. A writing challenge, to construct the story from historical documents and add the detail to take the reader there.
October 19, 2010
I read this a long time ago, and now own it, to reread whenever I want. A very encouraging, moving story about a Brother who gave his physical life for the gospel...
January 25, 2012
One book that I will never forget. Very powerful message.
Read
April 11, 2012What an amazing testimony of a young man who stood in spite of persecution. This was when I was a senior in high school!! Not ancient, ancient history. :)
October 1, 2013
love this story
May 12, 2015
Such a testimony of faith in The Lord! This man endured much, and stood firm in his beliefs.
February 3, 2016
Amazing what we humans are capable of doing to one another. Vanya's story inspires me to trust God to see me through whatever comes my way.
February 4, 2017
Vanya's experience at the hands of Soviet athiests is deeply disturbing - deeply touching.
Read
January 20, 2024I read Vanya when in the US Army, 1977, a former atheist and new believer. This story is a modern type of the Apostle Paul and the trials he went through.
Vanya's simple, solid faith is highlighted throughout, as is his determination to be faithful to his God. The challenge is between Vanya's determination to live expressing His faith and the Soviet Army's belief that they could break him down and get him to recant his faith.
The bread truck miracle that Vanya recounts is simple in it's way. It is about something odd, unexplainable and without meaning until he learns later of the avoided accident. Both the bread coming out of the truck and their missing a serious accident situation were miracles, the first acknowledged by many who heard of it then and those who've read it since, the second a miracle to Vanya as he perceived the situation.
The standing at attention in only a uniform in the freezing cold for days and being kept warm by his God, is inspiring, to say the least, likely leaving no reader untouched. This also had significant impact on many of the solders who witnessed this, turning upside down the Army's intended results.
The culmination of his death/murder and the army disbanding his unit (because of his faith's influence), by sending each solder to a different place in the Soviet Army, thus spreading the example and message of Vanya across the military is a crowning ending, one Vanya would likely have been happy for.
The accompanying documentation brings home the reality verses the story telling, helping the reader to take what was read very seriously.
I couldn't put this book down during the narrative section. It's message became part of my newly developing faith and has challenged me in living for Christ ever since. So, to me, the book was successful in it's intents. I would recommend this to anyone as an engaging and powerful read.
Thank you Myra Grant for capturing his story for us.
Vanya's simple, solid faith is highlighted throughout, as is his determination to be faithful to his God. The challenge is between Vanya's determination to live expressing His faith and the Soviet Army's belief that they could break him down and get him to recant his faith.
The bread truck miracle that Vanya recounts is simple in it's way. It is about something odd, unexplainable and without meaning until he learns later of the avoided accident. Both the bread coming out of the truck and their missing a serious accident situation were miracles, the first acknowledged by many who heard of it then and those who've read it since, the second a miracle to Vanya as he perceived the situation.
The standing at attention in only a uniform in the freezing cold for days and being kept warm by his God, is inspiring, to say the least, likely leaving no reader untouched. This also had significant impact on many of the solders who witnessed this, turning upside down the Army's intended results.
The culmination of his death/murder and the army disbanding his unit (because of his faith's influence), by sending each solder to a different place in the Soviet Army, thus spreading the example and message of Vanya across the military is a crowning ending, one Vanya would likely have been happy for.
The accompanying documentation brings home the reality verses the story telling, helping the reader to take what was read very seriously.
I couldn't put this book down during the narrative section. It's message became part of my newly developing faith and has challenged me in living for Christ ever since. So, to me, the book was successful in it's intents. I would recommend this to anyone as an engaging and powerful read.
Thank you Myra Grant for capturing his story for us.
January 28, 2023
4.5 stars [Narrative Nonfiction]
(W 3.92 / U 4.25 / T 4.75 / P 4.38)
Exact rating: 4.33
#6 of 65 on Missions
#5 of 39 on Communism
Here is the astounding account of a hero and martyr of Christian faith, the Moldovan peasant Ivan Moiseyev. A Soviet boy conscripted by the Red Army but then persecuted, tortured, and killed within 2 years for not bowing his knee to Lenin's system of "scientific atheism."
I started this near bedtime but then couldn't go to bed for hours due to how good it was. Then after I woke up, I read the rest without stopping for the remainder of the day until it was done. One of the best missional accounts I've ever read.
To contradict other reviewers of or objections to this book:
Grant's narrative was not "Western stereotypes" of Sovietness. They were entirely consonant normal testimonies of Soviet dissident literature and life.
The miracle accounts were neither wild nor corrupt in theology. Miracles such as Ivan experienced are common in the Persecuted Church. The dismissive incredulity of Positivist atheists or less-mature Christians does not constitute counter-evidence. Moreover, some of these miracles were witnessed and testified to by hundreds of people. The last whole section of the book was eyewitness testimonies, letters, and tape recorder transcript.
Highly recommended to all who love and hope in Jesus.
(W 3.92 / U 4.25 / T 4.75 / P 4.38)
Exact rating: 4.33
#6 of 65 on Missions
#5 of 39 on Communism
Here is the astounding account of a hero and martyr of Christian faith, the Moldovan peasant Ivan Moiseyev. A Soviet boy conscripted by the Red Army but then persecuted, tortured, and killed within 2 years for not bowing his knee to Lenin's system of "scientific atheism."
I started this near bedtime but then couldn't go to bed for hours due to how good it was. Then after I woke up, I read the rest without stopping for the remainder of the day until it was done. One of the best missional accounts I've ever read.
To contradict other reviewers of or objections to this book:
Grant's narrative was not "Western stereotypes" of Sovietness. They were entirely consonant normal testimonies of Soviet dissident literature and life.
The miracle accounts were neither wild nor corrupt in theology. Miracles such as Ivan experienced are common in the Persecuted Church. The dismissive incredulity of Positivist atheists or less-mature Christians does not constitute counter-evidence. Moreover, some of these miracles were witnessed and testified to by hundreds of people. The last whole section of the book was eyewitness testimonies, letters, and tape recorder transcript.
Highly recommended to all who love and hope in Jesus.
January 24, 2025
Picked up Vanya at the recommendation of my youngest son's hero - Bear Grylls.
Started it, then shelved it; but decided to give it a second chance after starting Solzhenitsyn's Gulag Archipelago.
Vanya suffering and martyrdom confirms everything I've read in Gulag vol. 1 about Soviet "justice," but that's beside the point. I'm not sure how to classify this book. Is it inspiring? His faithfulness certainly was. Is it infuriating? Absolutely. I would rather be an American POW in imperial Japan or an ethnic minority in Nazi Germany than a citizen of the Soviet Union. I realize that is like choosing between the gas chamber and the electric chair, but the Soviets were the worst of the worst. And I'm left with lots of questions - questions about his visions, the miracles, his legacy. What does Vanya mean to Russian Baptists, evangelical Protestants, and to Orthodox believers? And is there a connection to English Baptists?
I'm really glad I gave it a second chance.
Started it, then shelved it; but decided to give it a second chance after starting Solzhenitsyn's Gulag Archipelago.
Vanya suffering and martyrdom confirms everything I've read in Gulag vol. 1 about Soviet "justice," but that's beside the point. I'm not sure how to classify this book. Is it inspiring? His faithfulness certainly was. Is it infuriating? Absolutely. I would rather be an American POW in imperial Japan or an ethnic minority in Nazi Germany than a citizen of the Soviet Union. I realize that is like choosing between the gas chamber and the electric chair, but the Soviets were the worst of the worst. And I'm left with lots of questions - questions about his visions, the miracles, his legacy. What does Vanya mean to Russian Baptists, evangelical Protestants, and to Orthodox believers? And is there a connection to English Baptists?
I'm really glad I gave it a second chance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews