Sankya p.1 by Prilepin

Show Notes:

Content Warning: there will be minor discussion of sexual violence at 27:53-28:23, 32:40-32:55, and 34:40-35:13. 

There will also be a description of graphic violence at 33:52-34:06. 

This week, Matt and Cameron will be reading the first half of Sankya by Zakhar Prilepin. Prilepin—a former soldier, OMON officer, and journalist—is famous for his literary work exploring the malaise and directionlessness of young men in modern Russia, and also infamous for his involvement in the National Bolshevik Party and year of combat with a pro-separatist militant group in the Ukranian Civil War. Sankya, published in 2006, focuses on a young member of a fictional political party, the Founding Fathers, and their militant opposition to the modern Russian state. This novel has been praised by the likes of Alexey Navalny and Tatyana Tolstaya for its depictions of modern Russian life—but, as we’ll discuss, there are also some sinister undertones to the book’s conclusions… 

Major themes: death & decay, debate but bad, everyone is angry.

27:40 - Before those of you who’ve read the book come for us...we did later realize that it was actually Yana’s friend’s apartment, but if that’s what you’re focusing on here in light of...what comes next, your priorities might be a little out of order. 

Also we’ll be reading quotes from...perhaps the worst sex scene that’s been put to print between 28:50 and 30:57.

The music used in this episode was “soviet march,” by Toasted Tomatoes. You can find more of their work on Bandcamp and Youtube. 

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