Dear friends,

Happy new academic year! Our Literary Salon is opening its doors once again, and we are delighted to invite you to our first meeting of the season.

This time, we will explore the world of Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin — one of the most influential Russian writers and historians, a key figure of late 18th- and early 19th-century sentimentalism, and one of the great reformers of the Russian literary language.

What will we talk about?

The Age and the Man
Who was Karamzin? We will take a closer look at his life and work, the emergence of Russian sentimentalism, and the literary and cultural landscape of Russia at the end of the 18th century.

Poor Liza: A Closer Look
Why did this short story become a landmark of Russian sentimentalism? We will explore its defining features, Karamzin’s distinctive literary techniques, and the reasons why the story still resonates with readers today.

A 21st-Century Perspective
And what if Liza and Erast lived in our time? Let’s imagine how their story might unfold if it were written by a contemporary author in the 21st century.

Language: Russian

Expect an engaging, informal conversation, lively discussion, and, of course, good company!

We look forward to seeing you at the Literary Salon!