The Russian Book Club returns this autumn with its next meeting, to be held online on Friday, 30th October, at 4:00 PM (BST).
Members and non-members are equally welcome. This session will explore Pavel Sanaev's «Похороните меня за плинтусом» ("Bury Me Behind the Baseboard"), with the reading and discussion conducted in Russian.
Told through the eyes of a young boy, the novel is funny, heart-breaking and at times shocking, telling a story about childhood, family, love, control and the complicated bonds between those closest to us. It is also an excellent choice for anyone learning Russian, being full of lively dialogue, everyday expressions and colourful colloquial language rarely found in textbooks.
What to expect:
- Discussion of Sanaev's distinctive child narrator and his voice
- Reflections on family, dependency and the boundaries of love
- The interplay of humour and pain that gives the book its power
- Consideration of how the novel portrays Soviet era domestic life.
The Russian Book Club invites everyone to deepen their interest in Russian literature in a friendly, engaging environment. This event is all about your thoughts, your questions, your favourite passages and your curiosity.
Whether you are a long-time reader or just beginning your journey with Russian literature, all levels are genuinely welcome, including native and non-native speakers alike.
A couple of weeks before the meeting, Natalia will circulate a set of questions and discussion points to help participants prepare.
Please email Natalia at [email protected] to register. The Zoom link will be sent to attendees nearer the date, and anyone having difficulty finding the book in Russian is invited to get in touch.
ITI Network member fee: Free
ITI member fee: Free
Non-member fee: Free
Location: Zoom - link to be shared on registration
Contact name: Natalia Karlina
Contact email: [email protected]
Closing date for bookings: 29 October 2026
Network website address: https://www.iti.org.uk/discover/networking/language-networks/iti-russian.html