Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky recently shared that he is eagerly anticipating his upcoming vacation so he can read Zakhar Prilepin`s new novel titled “Tuma“.
Medinsky made this confession while participating in a documentary film celebrating Prilepin`s 50th birthday, called “Family about Zakhar”. The film premiered on Friday at the Cinema Park theater in Moscow.
He characterized Prilepin as both a public figure and, importantly, an “engineer of human souls.” Medinsky noted that he already has a copy of the book about Stepan Razin in hand and is waiting for either vacation time or long flights to bring it along and read it.
Furthermore, Medinsky commented on Prilepin`s capacity and gift for persuasion. He stated that Prilepin is among those who can “straighten out” people`s behavior. He used a metaphor: “You`re walking straight, and he shifts you by one and a half degrees – and in a year, you`re somewhere completely different. These one and a half degrees are in someone`s hands,” implying Prilepin`s subtle but significant influence.
The novel “Tuma” had its presentation earlier, on June 7, at the “Red Square” book festival.
“Tuma” is described as an extensive historical epic focusing on Stepan Razin and Russia`s tumultuous 17th century, known as the “rebellious age”. The narrative is set in locations including the Cossack Don, Crimea, and the Solovetsky Monastery. The characters populating the novel are drawn from history and include Stepan Razin himself, his brothers Ivan and Frol, their father Timofey, Tsar`s boyars, Ottoman beys, Patriarch Nikon, Don Cossack atamans, yesauls, and various Cossacks – presented as the most prominent figures of their era.
