Tiffany
asked
Julia Phillips:
I loved Disappearing Earth! Your writing is beautiful, and your character development is amazing. I was left wanting to know more about your characters. I recently finished reading Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking by von Bremzen, and parts of it made me think about your book- Russian life and Soviet nostalgia. Was wondering if you could recommend other books (fiction or non) about Russian life?
Julia Phillips
Tiffany, thank you so, so much for reading! I love this question. To me, the book that perfectly captures Soviet memories of contemporary Russians is Secondhand Time by Svetlana Alexievich. Really, I don't think you could go wrong with any Alexievich book – she is a genius. The same blanket recommendation goes for Masha Gessen. And two recent books I've been really excited about are Between Two Fires by Joshua Yaffa and The Lost Pianos of Siberia by Sophy Roberts. Ahh! There is so much good work to read!
More Answered Questions
Rebecca Richards-Diop
asked
Julia Phillips:
I just finished Disappearing Earth and found it both masterful and an immensely satisfying read! What an accomplishment! Thank you! I am curious… many of the women in the book consider making significant life changes but ultimately decide not to take the risk. Can you say more about what shaped that decision?
Nikki
asked
Julia Phillips:
I just learned about your book from an email from your publisher. They categorize "Disappearing Earth" as 'women's literature.' Based on the description, your book doesn't fit that category. Are you comfortable with that designation? I don't usually read 'women's lit,' but your book sounds really interesting. Thanks. Nikki
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