Books
automatic translateMikhail Lermontov’s "Masquerade," a summary
This verse drama tells the story of a former professional gambler who, blinded by jealousy, murders his innocent wifeThe play was written in 1835. During the author’s lifetime, state censorship repeatedly banned its publication due to its harsh denunciations of high society vices and the lack of proper punishment for the protagonist.
Oleg Yakovlev’s "Masks of the Black Harlequin," a summary
This dark fantasy novel was written in 2011 by Oleg Yakovlev and co-authored by Vladimir Torin . The book describes the fates of kings, necromancers, elves, and noble knights, thrown into a brutal maelstrom of intrigue, betrayal, and battle.
"Freemasonry and the Russian Intelligentsia" by Boris Bashilov, summary
This book is a historical and philosophical study, published in 1956 in Buenos Aires with funds from Russian émigrés. It is part of a multi-volume series on the history of Russian Freemasonry.
"Master of Winds and Sunsets" by Max Fry, summary
This book begins a new chapter in the story of Sir Max, who has returned to his beloved city after a long absence. Written in 2014, the author develops the concept of reality as a vast dream, where the line between fantasy and physical reality is blurred.
"Master of Dreams" by Alexey Pekhov, Elena Bychkova, and Natalia Turchaninova, summary
"The Dream Master" is a 2014 novel that opens a four-book series of the same name. The story takes place in a near-future world where genetic engineering extends lifespans and a hyperloop connects cities in a matter of hours.
A summary of "Matryona’s House" by Alexander Solzhenitsyn
This book is a largely autobiographical account of life in a Russian village. Written in 1959-1960, it draws on the author’s personal experiences, having returned from dusty Asian exile in search of work as a schoolteacher.
A summary of "Mother" by Maxim Gorky
This book is the first major literary monument to socialism, written in 1906. The narrative centers on the spiritual transformation of a downtrodden female worker. She gradually comes to understand the righteousness of the working class’s social struggle.
"Mafia Sets Up a Meeting" by Elena Nesterina, summary
Elena Nesterina’s children’s detective story was written in 2002. This book is a captivating teen mystery about a close-knit school group who take on the investigation of a burglary.
"The Mafia Writes an Opera" by Elena Nesterina, summary
This captivating children’s novel, published in 2002, explores the creative rivalry between school classes and the value of true friendshipIts uniqueness lies in its seamless blend of a classic school novel and a detective story, where ordinary teenagers create a vibrant theatrical performance despite the machinations of their peers.
"Mafia vs. Indians" by Elena Nesterina, summary
Elena Nesterina’s 2004 book "Mafia vs. Indians" tells the story of the summer vacation of young detectives from the Brotherhood of the White Hand. The story is part of the well-known children’s detective series "The Fairest Mafia" and is its ninth installment.
"Mafia Against the Dark Forces" by Elena Nesterina, summary
This book is a fast-paced detective story for teenagers, telling the story of a school community’s confrontation with real-life kidnappers set against the backdrop of a masquerade ballPublished in 2003, the plot is built on the contrast between the humorous mystical superstitions of an autumn festival and the dangerous, practical extortion scheme the main characters encounter.
"The Mafia Gathers at Midnight" by Elena Nesterina, summary
This book is a detective novel for young adults, written in 2001. The plot revolves around a group of schoolchildren at a summer camp who, for fun, form their own secret society but suddenly find themselves embroiled in the investigation of very real crimes.
"The Wish Machine (screenplay). Option 2" by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, summary
The Strugatsky brothers’ 1979 screenplay is a variation on the plot that inspired Andrei Tarkovsky’s cult film, "Stalker."
A summary of "The Bear Girl" by Boris Akunin
The book is a bright and profound story about post-war Moscow, published in 2022. The plot centers on the intertwined destinies of people scarred by terrible historical upheavals. A remarkable doctor helps the characters find peace.
"Medea and Her Children" by Lyudmila Ulitskaya, summary
The novel "Medea and Her Children" was written in 1996This book is a family chronicle of the descendants of the Pontic Greeks of Sinople who settled in Crimea. The narrative centers on the childless widow Medea Mendes, whose wisdom, peace of mind, and loyalty to family ties unite her numerous nephews and grandchildren, scattered across various cities and countries by the historical storms of the twentieth century.