Years of Change
A Kaleidoscope of New Literary Texts in Russia
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Russian literature is on the move. Despite the uncertain political and intellectual climate of the Putin era, it has not stagnated, but offers instead a colourful array of artistic diversity. The results of the book prizes “Natsional’ny bestseller”, “Bol’shaia Kniga”, “Russkii Buker”, and “NOS” from 2009 to mid-2013 make it possible to follow the discourse of literary criticism. Familiar names, such as Dmitry Bykov, Aleksandr Terekhov, Daniil Granin, Lev Rubinshtein, and Maksim Kantor, define the picture set the tone, while new names, such as Igor Vishnevetsky, Arkhimandrit Tikhon, Marina Stepnova, Natan Dubovitsky, Figl-Migl, Plato Besedin, and Anton Ponizovsky enliven the literary scene. Among those authors who are innovative in terms of artistic skill and social criticism, the “new realists” in particular represent an important trend. The advance of religiously influenced works stands out.
(Osteuropa 8/2013, pp. 59–94)