Hundreds of Russians crowded an auditorium in central London on a recent warm evening to hear Boris Akunin, the author of a popular detective series, express his belief that the actions of the Russian Army in the Ukraine war are criminal. Mr. Akunin, known for his series set in late czarist times, has faced backlash in Russia for his outspoken statements. Despite his exile in London for the past decade, the Kremlin has labeled him a “terrorist” and banned his works.
When President Vladimir V. Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Mr. Akunin took to Facebook to criticize Russia’s leadership, calling Putin a “psychologically deranged dictator.” Feeling a sense of urgency to reach his domestic audience and potentially spark change, Mr. Akunin intensified his writing efforts during these tumultuous times.
Despite his previous success in Russia, Mr. Akunin’s reputation began to crumble after a prank call incident with pro-Kremlin individuals. This incident led to him being labeled a “foreign agent” and facing further restrictions on his work and distribution in Russia. His books, which had been translated into over 40 languages, were essentially cut off from the Russian market.
In a recent interview, Mr. Akunin expressed bitterness towards the situation but maintained a sense of humor. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the impact of his work on Russian culture. By providing a platform for banned artists and expanding his reach online, he hopes to foster a vibrant Russian cultural scene abroad that can inspire change at home.
Mr. Akunin, known for his Fandorin detective series, has moved on from the character after 15 books to focus on more philosophical and historical works. His latest project, a 10-volume history of the Russian state, delves into the complexities of empire-building and the current geopolitical landscape.
Through his writings and cultural initiatives, Mr. Akunin aims to bridge the gap between Russians at home and abroad, offering a beacon of artistic freedom in a time of increasing repression. He remains committed to his mission of fostering a vibrant Russian cultural scene that can resonate with audiences both in and outside of Russia.