On February 12, Babel Books Berlin will host a presentation of Andrei Arkhangelsky's new book, The Country That Decided Not to Be, published by Freedom Letters.
February 2022 became a turning point, dividing life into “before” and “after.” However, as Arkhangelsky shows, signs of the impending catastrophe had been apparent long before that moment. Russian pop culture of the 1990s, having destroyed the old taboos, failed to create new meanings. Cinema and literature exploited the past as a decorative backdrop without attempting to make sense of it. The dissident tradition did not translate into political practice, private conversation did not become public dialogue, and a void remained in place of the former totalitarian ethic.
This is how the “mosaic of catastrophe” came together, writes Sorin Brut about the book (Novaya Gazeta. Europe). A society that does not make “decisions about itself” — about what to consider good and evil — finds itself incapable of social contract and ultimately chooses violence and war. Writer Tatyana Sotnikova (Anna Berseneva) calls this work “a book of despair,” from which, according to the author, we must now rebuild the meaning of life.
Andrey Arkhangelsky is a journalist and publicist, long-time editor of the culture section of Ogonyok magazine (2002–2021), winner of the Profession: Journalist award, and columnist for Colta.ru, Republic, Carnegie, The Insider, and Echo of Moscow.
The evening's program includes a conversation with the author about the book, time, and cultural responsibility, as well as answers to questions from the audience.
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Award is given annually. The jury votes, with each member selecting between one and three works. The winner is the author whose work receives the most votes. Additionally, a reader’s vote (Crowdfunding) is conducted on the Award’s website, where readers can vote for authors and support them financially.
What Awards Are Provided?
The winner of the Award receives a grant to translate the work into English, French and German. Also, as part of the reader's vote, all collected funds are transferred to the authors for whom the readers voted.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Прием заявок на конкурс второго сезона премии начнется 1 сентября 2025-го и закончится 15-го октября 2025 года.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
В январе 2026 года Совет Экспертов объявит список финалистов. Читательское голосование начинается в тот же месяц. В феврале-апреле члены жюри читают книги-финалисты, а победителей Премии и читательского голосования объявят в мае 2026 года.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
В конкурсе второго сезона могут принимать участия произведения, изданные в 2024-м году. Произведения (роман, повесть, сборники рассказов и эссе, документальная проза), вышедшие отдельными изданиями или опубликованные в журналах. Номинировать на премию имеют право как издательства и редакции журналов, так и сами писатели или третьи лица (с согласия и письменного подтверждения автора). Тексты подаются к рассмотрению в электронном виде. Премия «Дар» открыта для всех авторов. Учитывая главные цели премии: продвижение современной русскоязычной литературы за пределами РФ и характер самого вознаграждение (грант на перевод) - приоритет будет отдаваться авторам, чьи произведения ранее не переводились на английский, французский и немецкий языки.
