The publishing house Corpus, part of AST, released the book “Podstrochnik” about translator Lilianna Lungina, in which the quote by writer Boris Akunin on the cover is obscured, as noted by “Agency”**.
The book was published in 2022, and it is likely that the print run was extended later. In the original version, the book contained Akunin's words: “In my opinion, there is nothing more interesting in the world than watching and listening to a worthy and wise person openly talk about their life. Especially if the life was lived in Russia and lived as Lilianna Lungina lived it. The story of Lilianna Lungina's life, told by herself, is perhaps the most powerful artistic impression I've had in recent years.”
In the print run that stores are receiving now, this quote is obscured with black stripes, as it is on the publisher's website. It is presented in the same way in private ads for the sale of the book on the Avito and Wildberries portals.
Boris Akunin condemned the war in Ukraine, after which he began to be persecuted in Russia. At the end of 2023, he was included in the list of “terrorists and extremists,” and at the beginning of 2024, he was declared a “foreign agent.” Several criminal cases have been initiated against the writer related to “discrediting” the Russian army and “justifying terrorism.” His books were removed from sale, and his name is erased from posters of plays based on his works.
* Included in the list of “terrorists and extremists,” recognized in Russia as a “foreign agent.”
** Recognized in Russia as a “foreign agent”