China's literary world captures Russia's young readers

Chinese literature is finding an increasingly receptive audience in Russia, with works by Chinese authors gaining popularity and attracting growing interest from local publishers.

At the recent 39th Moscow International Book Fair, where China was the Guest of Honor, more than 2,000 titles and nearly 5,000 copies of China-themed books were on display as part of the Guest of Honor program themed "Reading China".

For Russian publishers, the growing appeal of Chinese literature has created new opportunities to introduce a wider range of Chinese works to the market.

Eksmo, one of Russia's largest general-interest publishing houses, has emerged as a major publisher of Chinese-language works in translation.

Eksmo editor Daria Shpakovskaya says that books set in ancient China are particularly popular among young Russian readers.

"It doesn't matter whether it's fantasy or not. The men in robes, the women in beautiful costumes, the intrigue, the complicated relationships — that's what makes it great. It's something new, and that's what really draws people in," she says.

The growing appeal of Chinese literature has also been fueled by the rising presence of Asian animation, television series and games in Russia.

"Interest in China is now fashionable, and even though I'm no longer young, I see that the children of my friends are immersed not in European culture, but in Asian culture," says Andrey Chernikov, an international copyright specialist at Eksmo.

Shpakovskaya says literature, television and visual arts are helping Russian readers gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, and fostering closer cultural exchanges between the two countries. She notes that many young Chinese people are also choosing to study in Russia.

"We are very pleased that the Chinese side has also become interested in the Russian market. There is a real cultural exchange. We are interested in their literature, and they are interested in ours," she says.

Eksmo also publishes Russian-language editions of novels by Chinese writer Mo Yan. The books have gained popularity in Russia, with stylish cover designs aimed at attracting younger readers. Shpakovskaya says young readers are drawn to Mo Yan not only because of his reputation as a renowned Chinese writer, but also because his works feature diverse narrative styles and explore a broad range of themes.

A staff member at the publishing house says that while Mo Yan is regarded as a major literary figure, the modern presentation of his works has helped introduce his writing to a younger generation.

"Mo Yan's readership consists not of teenagers, but rather of new adult audiences," Shpakovskaya says. "Still, many dedicated fans of Asian literature and members of fandom communities are willing to take on his dense and complex works."