In a chilling backdrop of censorship and oppression in Russia, writers are facing unprecedented scrutiny as the government tightens its grip following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The infamous “law on fakes,” introduced by the Kremlin, has escalated fears among authors, leading to criminal investigations of notable figures like Dmitry Bykov and Boris Akunin, many of whom now reside abroad, escaping the tightening noose of state control. Those who remain feel the pressure, with critics fearing that even well-intentioned reviews could incur the wrath of pro-war bloggers, leading to canceled events and potential bans on their works.
As some writers deftly sidestep explicit references to the conflict, many have turned to genre literature, exploring dark and fantastical themes as a way to comment on their reality. For instance, Yevgeniya Nekrasova’s „Zolotinka“ portrays a young woman caught in the clutches of military service, only to return home, declared dead, to an unsettling reality. Similarly, Alexei Polyarinov’s dystopian narrative “Cadavers” reflects societal chaos amidst a backdrop of war and loss. Authors are now embedding reflections on contemporary issues within fictional frameworks, ultimately inviting readers to navigate the treacherous waters of their current landscape without directly confronting the regime. More about these literary shifts is explored in detail von www.themoscowtimes.com.