5 Russian authors worth paying attention to

1. Alexander Ilichevsky

It would seem that Alexander Ilichevsky had to associate his whole life with science, because he graduated from the Physics and Mathematics Institute in Moscow, worked as a physicist in Israel and the USA. But at the age of 21, Alexander suddenly became interested in literature. Thanks to this, we got much more than if he worked in the laboratory.

But Ilichevsky does not forget his profession either - scientists and scientific workers periodically become heroes of his works. Thus, "Matisse" is not a novel about a famous French artist, but about a Russian physicist who suddenly decides to become an outcast and begins to live with the homeless. In this book, the author reveals a whole layer of a subculture unknown to many and invites the reader to reflect on life, freedom and loneliness.

Other works of Ilichevsky also make you think and look for the unusual in ordinary things.

What to read: "Pers", "Mathematician", "Matisse".

2. Zakhar Prilepin

Like Dmitry Bykov, Prilepin is actively involved in the social and political life of the country. It is impossible to say unequivocally what he devotes more time to: politics or literature. He is compared to Gorky and, perhaps, for a reason.

All of his works are somehow connected with politics. You need to come to terms with this or just enjoy, plunging into the thick of the events described by the author.

"Sankya" is Prilepin's second novel, with which he loudly declared himself. The work is gloomy, and emanates from it with hopelessness, but despite the fictional component, it is about life and what is happening around. The main character is a provincial boy, you will love him, hate him, despise him, but he will not leave anyone indifferent. The main thing in this novel is to get through the first few chapters, and then you yourself will not notice how carried away.

If your goal is to take a break from problems, then it is better to choose something easier. If you want serious works, then Prilepin is for you.

What to read: "Sankya", "Black Monkey".

3. Evgeny Vodolazkin

Creation of the text for "Total Dictation - 2015", 25th place (the highest among living authors) in the rating of the best Russian writers published by Russia Beyond the Headlines, recognition of foreign and domestic critics - an incomplete list of Evgeny Vodolazkin's merits.

His main literary works can be considered the novels "Laurus" and "Aviator", so different from each other, but united by one idea. The main character of these novels is time in all its manifestations. This is especially evident in "Aviator", where the narrative is made up of different temporal pieces, changing, as if in a kaleidoscope. In this case, the reader himself needs to look for answers to the questions that arise and take one side or the other. According to Eugene, he never gives answers, but trusts his reader and thinks that he will answer no worse than the author himself.

Vodolazkin passed the test with honor with the "second album". And if the success of "Lavra" can be explained by the author's specialization in Old Russian literature, then already in "Aviator" Eugene proves that he is a serious writer who will not disappear after years.

What to read: Lavr, Aviator.

4. Andrey Gelasimov

There were doubts about whether to include this author in the selection, because at one time he was not praised or kicked only by the lazy. Gelasimov, whose works are sold not only in Russia, was recognized as the most popular Russian writer in France in 2005, and has been repeatedly published in other countries. But not everything is so simple.

Why does the reader love him so much? Perhaps, with his works, he gets into the target audience that makes writers popular. His latest novel, Cold, received many negative reviews from Russian readers, but found recognition in the West. This book will not keep you on your toes from start to finish. It is written simply, reads easily, and the plot is suitable for some Hollywood disaster movie.

So why did I include Gelasimov on the list if I say that his work is mediocre? Read The Steppe Gods. You will understand that the author deserves attention.

What to read: "Steppe Gods", "Thirst".

5. Alexey Ivanov

Became known to a wide range of readers after the release in 2013 of the film "The Geographer Drank the Globe", based on the novel of the same name. For a more sophisticated audience, it has been known for over a decade. Not the least role in this was played by his novel Heart of Parma (Parma, according to Ivanov himself, is not a province in Italy and not Great Perm, but the name of a coniferous forest near the Urals).

Before becoming a professional writer and finding his way to fame, Aleksey Ivanov changed many professions: he worked as a watchman, teacher, guide-guide. The novels written were gathering dust in the table and waited for their moment, which came largely thanks to the recommendation of Leonid Yuzefovich.

The accumulated everyday experience is reflected in the novels, primarily in the "Geographer", which is partially autobiographical. Love for local history manifested itself in the works "Heart of Parma" and "Tobol" (the first part was released in 2017, the continuation is expected this year).

Want to immerse yourself in history but are afraid to fall asleep right away? Try to read any of the historical novels by Alexei Ivanov. You will definitely not have time for sleep.

What to read: "Gold of Riot", "Heart of Parma", "Tobol. Many are called "," Dorm-on-the-Blood ".

Bonus: Mariam Petrosyan

The list would be incomplete without Mariam Petrosyan. Yes, perhaps some will say that she lives in Armenia, and she wrote only one book. And, perhaps, "The House In Which …" will remain the only book for her. But this novel is the work of her whole life. She worked on its creation for 18 years. As Mariam herself says: "I wrote this book for myself, and the main thing for me was that I liked it."

But she was not the only one who fell in love with her. Immediately after its release, the novel was appreciated not only by critics, but also by thousands of readers.

What to read: "The house in which …".