“Twice Crowned” (Leonid Yuzefovich – Laureate of the Big Book)

Abstract

The article discusses the two-aspect nature of the contribution of L.A. Yuzefovich into Russian culture, as a reflection of the specifics of his gift. The criterion for the writer’s achievements was chosen to be a double leader in the national literary prize «Big Book» (a unique case in its history). The purpose of the article is to show the genre specificity of the individual style of Yuzefovich, which doubled the significance of his works for Russian literature and culture in general. The well-known Bulgakovʼs metaphor is applicable to the work of this writer completely. In this case, the right and left hand of the pianist can be considered fiction and documentary proze. A writer’s achievements in each of these areas greatly contribute to his success in the other. The leading place in the work of Yuzefovich the fiction writer is occupied by a large epic form. His novels with criminal plot, as a rule, have a pronounced detective line. The action takes place in different eras in different locations. These are Moscow and Western Europe of the 17th century, imperial Petersburg of the late 19th – early 20th centuries, Perm in the 1920s., etc. Specific historical details are reproduced in detail, the atmosphere of the era is recreated. Critics have repeatedly noted the writer’s ability to convey the spirit of the times in artistic form. The documentary prose of this author is a continuation of his scientific career (he is PhD in historical sciences). The beginning of this direction in his work was laid by the artistically revised dissertation research of the scientist. Subsequently, the main interest of Yuzefovich as the author of documentary proze focused on the events of the Civil War in Siberia and the Far East. The writer’s historical books have a fascinating plot and are written in good literary language. The best (to date) works of Yuzefovich of each of the named directions were awarded the Big Book Prize (the 1st place), awarded for a significant contribution to Russian culture and increasing the social significance of Russian literature. These are the novel «Cranes and the Dwarfs» (prize 2009) and the documentary novel «Winter Road» (prize 2015). Both works reveal important stages in Russian history and, at the same time, deserve high praise for their artistic form.