The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli, published in April 2022 won the 2022 Grand prix du roman de l’Académie française and was a finalist for the Prix Goncourt. The novel is based on the life and career of Vladislav Surkov, a former advisor to Vladimir Putin, who was nicknamed “the Wizard of the Kremlin” for his role in shaping Russia’s political system. The novel is narrated by Vadim Baranov, a fictional character inspired by Surkov, who recounts his meeting with the author in Moscow and his involvement in Putin’s rise to power. The novel explores the themes of power, manipulation, and creativity in contemporary Russia.
My Favorite Books of 2023
My Favorite Books of 2023
My Favorite Books of 2023
The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli, published in April 2022 won the 2022 Grand prix du roman de l’Académie française and was a finalist for the Prix Goncourt. The novel is based on the life and career of Vladislav Surkov, a former advisor to Vladimir Putin, who was nicknamed “the Wizard of the Kremlin” for his role in shaping Russia’s political system. The novel is narrated by Vadim Baranov, a fictional character inspired by Surkov, who recounts his meeting with the author in Moscow and his involvement in Putin’s rise to power. The novel explores the themes of power, manipulation, and creativity in contemporary Russia.