Vsevolod Benigsen

2.4 stars

Rayad is a disappointing novel about Russian nationalism that's written as a detective novel: a recent widower is sent to live in an all-Russian neighborhood of Moscow to find a killer. Unfortunately, the plot and characters are pretty formulaic, and the book lacks enough tension and spark to become a truly insightful book about contemporary problems. Oh well.

(There's more about Rayad on my blog, target="_top">here.)… (altro)

ГенАцид/GenAcide describes a Russian village where each resident is given, by presidential order, a piece of Russian literature to learn. Quickly. There will be a test. Benigsen’s descriptions of Russian village life and residents are gentle but unforgiving, presented with humor that reminds me of Vladimir Voinovich’s depiction of soldier Chonkin’s adventures. But Benigsen morphs farce into tragedy by creating, gradually, tension within his fictional community.

The book has been controversial--some critics accused Benigsen of Russophobia--but I read it as a book about myth, a parable-like account of the consequences of attempting to use culture, in this case, Russian literature and its surrounding myths, to create a politically expedient national unity.

(There's more about GenAcide on my blog, here.)… (altro)