Are Russians Still into Literature?

The belief that Russians are still major readers, deeply immersed in literature, is a popular notion. However, it often reflects a romanticized image of the Soviet era. Russia's literary culture has transformed significantly since the fall of the USSR, making it important to separate myth from reality.

The Myth of the Most Reading Nation

The myth of Russia as a highly literate nation is largely a projection of the image of the USSR as the "most reading nation." This perception is deeply rooted in the historical context of the Soviet period. In reality, the compulsion to read ideologically charged books, which were often unpopular among the general populace, masked the true state of literacy. These books were required purchases to demonstrate loyalty, but genuine reading was not the norm. Additionally, to acquire a desired publication, such as The Three Musketeers, one was often required to buy several Soviet books as a compulsory addition. This system ensured a false depiction of reading levels, with actual reading often limited to heating the shelves or better still, unused.

Current Reading Habits in Russia

Based on my personal experience, most Russians stop reading after high school. The few who do continue to read tend to focus on mass-market paperbacks. These books primarily fall into the following categories:

Love stories: These are often branded as literature but lack depth and substance. Propaganda-infused stories: A mix of nostalgia for Russian military forces and mediocre writing that glorifies these forces. Criminal drama: Stories that focus on the gritty aspects of law and order, but often lack coherent plots and reasoning. Science fiction-like ''fantasy'' books: These are more like the dreams of confused schoolboys, with no substance to support the action. Trash detective stories: Subgenres include those centered on fashion and appearance (female) and others focused on strength and action (male), albeit with little depth.

Only a minority actively seek out and read books from diverse genres. Literary consumption in Russia is predominantly driven by familiarity and a lack of alternatives rather than a genuine love for literature.

Modern Reading Trends

According to recent statistics, every second Russian reads books. Specifically, 53% of Russians read books frequently, 59% of women, 83% of young people, and 68% of those with higher education. However, the nature of these readings has changed. While the number of readers remains high, the genres they prefer are less focused on classical literature and more on popular and less demanding material.

Historical Context: The Soviet Era and Modern Times

The Soviet era was a time when literature played a significant role in shaping cultural identity. Leaders like Lenin and Stalin valued the arts and appreciated literature. For example, Lenin, as part of the nobility, was culturally well-rounded and exposed Stalin to classical music, particularly Mozart. This rich literary culture influenced many Soviet writers. One of the funniest themes in Mikhail Bulgakov's novel The Master and Margarita is the sovietization of literature and the establishment of a literary bureaucracy, akin to a literary union called 'Lotsolit.' The existence of this union and its members' exclusive dining rooms speaks to the internalization of literary categories.

Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Russians enjoyed a new wave of freedom and access to modern Western media, which is often considered lower quality. However, this era also saw increased cultural democratization under Putin's leadership. Unfortunately, Putin's term did not continue this trend, and the media landscape became more restrictive.

Celebrities like Yevtushenko and Vozhneshensky gave literary readings in large venues similar to rock concerts. This phenomenon showcased the continued importance of literature despite changing social and political landscapes.

Conclusion

While Russians are no longer as deeply immersed in literature as in the Soviet era, they remain far more literate than most Americans. The myth of the most reading nation has given way to a reality where popular culture and modern media play a significant role in shaping reading habits. The continued love for literature in Russia is a testament to its enduring cultural and literary traditions.