In a stark reminder of the challenges faced by artists in oppressive regimes, Russian novelist Ludmila Oulitskaïa has learned that her books are being systematically removed from libraries and bookstores across Russia. This news comes as she celebrates the publication of her works in France, including the French translations of The Book of Angels and Six Times Seven, alongside a substantial volume in the Quarto collection by the prestigious Gallimard publishing house.
Oulitskaïa, who won the Prix Médicis étranger in 1996 for her novel Sonietchka, fled Moscow in April 2022, coinciding with the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since then, she has made Berlin her home, where she continues to write and publish despite the obstacles imposed by the Russian government.
Reflecting on her current situation, Oulitskaïa revealed that her Russian publishing house has been forced to drop her, a move that underscores the severe restrictions placed on freedom of expression in her home country. In 2024, she was classified as a "foreign agent" and stripped of her title as professor emeritus at the University of Chemical Technology. This designation has led to her works being removed from public libraries and bookstores, with reports indicating that they are now being sold under the counter to avoid government scrutiny.
"I belong to a generation that is used to reading banned books," Oulitskaïa stated. "I think that if mine are set aside, it won’t stop them from finding new readers. I have experienced censored books in the USSR; those are the ones that attract the most attention. Now, they will simply stop publishing me. It’s less painful than interesting." Her candid remarks highlight the resilience of writers who continue to seek an audience, even in the face of censorship.
In a recent interview, Oulitskaïa discussed her latest collection of short stories, which features themes of angels, "seven births," and "seven ends of life." She emphasized that her writing focuses on what interests her most: human beings and the complexities of life and death. Despite her deep engagement with these themes, she has made it clear that politics holds little appeal for her.
"I have always felt aversion towards politics," she explained. "I have never had a relationship with power and have never approached Putin. I have even been invited to meet him with other writers, but I refused. In general, I try to avoid mentioning his name!" This aversion to political engagement reflects a broader sentiment among many artists who prefer to explore the human condition rather than the machinations of power.
Oulitskaïa's perspective is particularly poignant as she has not lived in Russia for three years, making it difficult for her to comment on the current state of affairs in her homeland. Her experiences resonate with those of other artists and intellectuals who have faced similar challenges, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for creative freedom in Russia.
As the world focuses on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its implications for global stability, Oulitskaïa’s plight serves as a reminder of the personal costs of such political upheaval. The suppression of literature and the arts is not merely a cultural loss; it is a fundamental violation of human rights that affects countless individuals.
While Oulitskaïa’s works may be banned in Russia, her voice continues to reach audiences in other parts of the world. The recent publication of her French translations is a testament to the enduring power of literature to transcend borders and speak to universal truths. As she navigates her new life in Berlin, Oulitskaïa remains committed to her craft, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by Ludmila Oulitskaïa highlight the precarious position of artists under authoritarian regimes. Her story is one of courage and defiance, as she continues to write and publish despite the risks involved. The literary community and readers around the world must remain vigilant in supporting voices like hers, ensuring that literature continues to thrive even in the darkest of times.
