Welcome, fellow literary enthusiasts, to a journey through the timeless works of the legendary Russian writer, Alexander Pushkin. With his masterful storytelling, lyrical poetry, and insightful observations of human nature, Pushkin has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Today, we embark on a literary pilgrimage, exploring eight must-read works that showcase the breadth and depth of Pushkin’s genius. From the romantic allure of “Eugene Onegin” to the tragic grandeur of “Boris Godunov” and the enchanting folk tales of “Ruslan and Ludmila,” each work holds a unique place in the ta ..read more

Leo Tolstoy was a Russian writer widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time. Born in 1828 in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia, Tolstoy grew up in a wealthy aristocratic family and received a traditional education, studying languages, history, and literature. After serving in the army, Tolstoy began writing fiction, and his early works were heavily influenced by his experiences as a soldier. Throughout his career, Tolstoy wrote several novels that have become classics of world literature, including “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina.” His literary works were widely acclaimed, as eviden ..read more

Russian science fiction, also called “cosmic fiction,” has a history that spans the 20th century to the present. It’s known for its dystopian and surreal settings, and its popular authors include the Strugatsky brothers, Kir Bulychev, and Yevgeny Zamyatin. 1. Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky ‘Roadside Picnic’ by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky is a unique and riveting science fiction novel. “Roadside Picnic” delves into the aftermath of an alien visitation, as a group of “stalkers” enter the mysterious “Zone” in search of alien artifacts. In a gripping and unforgettable story, the St ..read more

Russia has a rich and complex history that has been the subject of numerous literary works. From Napoleon’s invasion to the Russian Revolution and the Soviet era, there is no shortage of fascinating historical events and periods to explore. With that said, the following list will provide the reader with hours upon hours of excellent reading material that deals with real-life historical events. In addition, recommended translations and links to them will be provided after each title. 1. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy “War and Peace” is a monumental novel that portrays Russian society during the N ..read more

Approaching something as complicated and vast as the Golden Age of Russian Literature might seem overwhelmingly difficult and even intimidating. It is the 19th century’s Russia. There are tsars, censors, duels, exiles, snow, ball dances, splendid dresses and luxurious palaces, lavish banquets, Orthodox churches, believers and non-believers, sceptic philosophers, and radical thinkers, soldiers, the war with Napoleon, countless bureaucrats and their infinite corruption, happy marriages, failed marriages, romantic encounters, jealousy, and some more duels, and some more snow… And so it goes for a ..read more

When it comes to Russian literature names like Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Pushkin, Gogol, etc. often get all the attention. They receive the most scholarly interest, they generate the most content online, and their works get republished more than any of their contemporaries. Yet, with all these famous names being men, it does beg the question, where are the women? Did women in Russia’s Golden Age and the following eras not publish? Were they forbidden from doing so? Was it just not seen as acceptable during those days? Well, it depends, women in every famous era of Russian literature did publish, th ..read more