Russian Reading Books For A1-B2

Shkatulka
Shkatulka (The Box) is a reading guide by O. E. Chubarova for Russian language beginners. With over a hundred diverse texts and exercises, it covers fiction, regional studies, journalism, adapted articles, fairy tales, and anecdotes. The guide gradually increases lexical and grammatical complexity, translating unfamiliar vocabulary into English or French for student ease

Zlatoust Library
The "Zlatoust" publishing house provides a diverse selection of adapted Russian classics, including works by Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Pushkin, and more.

Russian Language. Courses
The "Books to Read" section from Moscow's publishing house "Russian Language. Courses." contains classics like I.S. Turgenev's "First Love," N.V. Gogol's "The Nose," F.M. Dostoevsky's "The Dream of a Funny Man," M.E. Saltykova- Shchedrin's fairy tales, A.S. Pushkin's "Dubrovsky," and numerous other works.

Everlasting stories
Everlasting stories: A reading book with exercises and comments. The book presents literature texts of popular authors. The texts are accompanied by grammar and lexical exercises developing the students’ speaking skills. The material is meant for the advanced level learners of the Russian language. It contains quite a few adapted works of Chekhov.

Red Kalinka
Red Kalinka, a Russian school located in Málaga, Spain, creates its own self-published reading materials. Their graded book series features Russian texts with English translations, accompanied by audio CDs, allowing you to read and listen simultaneously.

First Russian Reader – Twenty Letters From Russia
The book is aimed to beginners and covers basic topics. Each story unfolds common situations using straightforward language and expressions. Composed as twenty letters from a Russian boy named Nikita to his pen pal in America, the book provides an enjoyable and relatable learning experience.

The Scarlet Sails, adapted by Olesya Baltak
This tale, adapted by Olesya Baltak, from the romantic works of Alexander Grin, offers a story suitable for both children and adults. Arthur Grey, a dreamer from a wealthy family, aspires to become a sea captain, while Assol, a sailor's daughter, faces isolation due to her father's justifiable actions. Narrated by an elderly man, the story unfolds with the dream of a ship adorned with scarlet sails arriving one day to take the girl away. This beloved story has even been transformed into a ballet, with St Petersburg hosting a grand Scarlet Sails celebration annually.

The Queen of Spades, adapted by Olesya Baltak
This renowned work by the Alexander Pushkin, adapted by Olesya Baltak, captures the essence of Russian culture. Pushkin, a symbol of literary brilliance, presents a tale involving a Russian officer of German descent. The narrative unfolds as he discovers an old lady harboring mystical knowledge that could grant him the ability to gamble without risk and uncover forbidden truths. The story takes an unexpected turn when, after a threat with a pistol, the old lady succumbs to fright.

Baba Yaga The Mighty Witch
Explore easy reading in Russian with 'Russian Classic Fairy Tales' by Irina Ivanishko and Maria Thompson. This book features adapted texts for beginner-friendly reading, focusing on four stories about the iconic character in Russian folklore, Baba Yaga. Known as a fearsome witch who lives in a hut on chicken legs deep in the forest, Baba Yaga adds a touch of excitement to these tales.

Russian Short Stories For Beginners (Olly Richards)
Olly Richards' collection features 8 short stories spanning diverse genres such as science fiction, crime, history, and thriller. For students ranging from beginner to intermediate levels. Aligned with A2-B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference, these captivating tales aim to entertain and offer a tangible sense of progress for readers.

Rasskaz-Sensatsiya (Ignaty Diakov)
Ignaty Diakov's book, the first in a series of unconventional Russian language textbooks for Elementary/Pre-Intermediate levels, offers an engaging approach to learning. Written as entertaining detective stories, the narrative follows George, a Guadeloupean banker, as he navigates his daily life amidst a series of peculiar events. Widely utilized in schools, universities, language courses, and for self-study, these textbooks make language learning enjoyable and effective.

Russian Non-Adapted Books Suitable For Intermediate Level

Дама с собачкой (The Lady with the Dog), by Anton Chekhov
For intermediate students, Anton Chekhov's 'The Lady with the Dog' is an accessible and engaging short story, particularly when compared to the more complex texts of certain Russian classics. Written in 1899, this tale, one of Chekhov's most famous, tells about a love affair between two married people while on vacation at the Crimean sea resort of Yalta.

Иностранка (A Foreign Woman), by Sergei Dovlatov
Sergei Dovlatov, a journalist and writer in the Soviet Union, faced harassment from authorities, leading him to emigrate to the United States in 1978. His 1986 work, 'A Foreign Woman,' serves as a tribute to Soviet immigrants in 1980s New York. With its short sentences and lively dialogue, it is recommended as an excellent choice for intermediate students.

Стилист (The Stylist), by Alexandra Marinina
Alexandra Marinina, a top-selling contemporary Russian author of detective stories, presents 'The Stylist,' featuring Anastasia Kamenskaya, a Criminal Investigation Department officer leading a serial murder investigation. Published in 2015, this book is well-suited for intermediate students and those seeking more current Russian literature. It offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of various social classes in Russia, making it a relevant choice for readers.

Bilingual Books / Books With Parallel Texts

These books present the original text alongside its English translation. In most cases, these books feature the Russian version on one page and the English translation on the facing page, providing readers with a convenient way to compare and understand both languages.

Reading Chekhov's Stories in Russian
This collection presents nine powerful short stories by Chekhov, featuring both the original Russian and an English translation. It provides detailed vocabulary notes, covering essential forms, aspectual pairs, and verb conjugations. The original Russian text is presented unedited with stress markings. The included short stories are: 'The Death of a Clerk,' 'The Student,' 'A Little Joke,' 'Sleepy,' 'Rothschild’s Fiddle,' 'Anna Round the Neck,' 'Gusyev,' 'The Lady with the Little Dog,' and 'Ward N”.

Crime and punishment
The classic novel 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky in both English and Russian. It;s one of Dostoevsky's masterpieces. The story is set in St. Petersburg, and follows the life of Rodion Raskolnikov, a young and impoverished ex-student. Raskolnikov formulates a theory that certain individuals possess the right to commit crimes for a greater purpose, considering themselves above conventional morality.

Anna Karenina
This timeless novel by Leo Tolstoy beautifully captures the complex themes of love, infidelity, spirituality, and redemption. As the contrasting stories of Anna's tragic love affair with Count Vronsky and Konstantin Levin's quest for spiritual meaning unfold, readers are immersed in a rich narrative that explores the intricacies of human relationships. With illustrations accompanying each chapter, this edition promises to provide an enriched reading experience.

Eugene Onegin
A novel in verse written by Alexander Pushkin is considered one of the greatest works of Russian literature and a classic of world literature. This edition of Pushkin's "Eugene Onegin" offers a valuable resource for Russian language learners. With Russian and English translations presented side by side on each page, along with stress labels for every Russian word, you don’t need a dictionary reference. The story revolves around the life of a bored and cynical young aristocrat, and his interactions with other characters, including the innocent and passionate Tatyana Larina.

Great Russian Short Stories of the Twentieth Century

This anthology offers a survey of twentieth-century Russian short fiction, featuring fifteen tales. Included in the collection are works by notable authors such as Vladimir A. Gilyarovsky, Leonid Andreev, Dimitry Mamin-Sibiryak, Aleksandr Grin, Stepan Skitalets, Vasily Grossman, Aleksandr Kuprin, and others.
Russkie Skazki. Russian Fairy Tales
This book features Russian and English versions of five Russian folk tales: "Jack Frost," "The Frog Princess," "Vasilisa and Baba Yaga," "The Twelve Months," and "Smart Daughter." The collection offers a delightful reading experience. For more enchanting stories, the author Svetlana Bagdasaryan has an extensive collection available on her website www.mygrandmastales.com.

THE GREATEST WORKS OF RUSSIAN LITERATURE EVERYONE SHOULD READ

Must-read lists often feature older, complex classics, and Russian literature is no exception. Books like "War and Peace" are synonymous with lengthy novels. However, exploring these literary works is valuable. Russian literature spans two centuries, offering remarkable novels. While 19th-century classics dominate must- read lists, there are also significant contributions from the 20th and 21st centuries, showcasing the richness of Russian literature across different periods and genres.

"The Brothers Karamazov," by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The debate over Dostoevsky's greatest novel can be lengthy, but "The Brothers Karamazov" consistently contends for the top spot. While it's complex with numerous threads and subtle connections in its sprawling tale of murder and lust, the narrative remains engaging and enjoyable. Often overlooked in discussions about Dostoevsky's ability to intertwine philosophical themes, the novel also stands out for its well-drawn characters, adding a layer of fun to the intricate storytelling.

"Crime and Punishment," by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Dostoevsky's other remarkable classic offers a deep dive into the study of Russian society that remains surprisingly timely and eternally genius. This exploration delves into the inherent brutality of Russia, depicting a man who commits murder believing it to be his destiny and subsequently descends into madness from guilt. More than 150 years later, the novel continues to deliver a powerful reading experience. “The first psychological thriller”. Dostoevsky explores the brutality of Russian society and what happens in the mind of a cold blooded killer. Even after so many years this book is extremely thrilling to read. Dostoevsky writing and deep understanding of psychology is simply so good, that you just should not ignore this novel.

"War and Peace," by Leo Tolstoy
Widely considered one of the most important books globally, this four-volume epic tome unfolds as a vast painting, depicting a long and large-scale narrative spanning years. While superficially about five aristocratic families during Russia's war with Napoleon, the novel delves deeper into an examination of history, culture, philosophy, psychology, and human responses to war. A truly unique and monumental work that every child encounters in school, it stands as a thrilling exploration of various aspects of the human experience.

"Anna Karenina," by Leo Tolstoy
Tolstoy's novel, with its timeless opening line about happy and unhappy families, continues to feel remarkably fresh and modern. The story revolves around the romantic and political complexities of three couples. Its enduring relevance can be attributed to universal themes of social change and how individuals respond to evolving expectations, which resonate across different eras. Additionally, the novel's fundamental focus on matters of the heart adds to its enduring appeal. Whether drawn to its universal themes or matters of the heart, this dense yet beautiful novel offers a worthwhile exploration.

"The Death of Ivan Ilyich," by Leo Tolstoy
Tolstoy's story of a successful government official, Ivan Ilyich, experiencing an inexplicable pain and slowly realizing his impending death taps into something primal and universal. Tolstoy's unflinching narrative traces Ivan Ilyich's journey from mild irritation to concern, denial, and ultimately acceptance, all while he grapples with the mystery of his affliction. It's the kind of story that leaves a lasting impression, resonating with readers long after they've turned the last page.

"Fathers and Sons," by Ivan Turgenev
Turgenev's novel, like many in Russian literature, explores the changing landscape of Russia and the growing generational gap, notably between fathers and sons. It also prominently introduces the concept of nihilism, tracing the younger characters' evolution from an impulsive rejection of traditional morals and religious beliefs to a more thoughtful consideration of their potential value. The narrative explores the clash of ideologies within the context of changing times in Russia.

"Dead Souls," by Nikolai Gogol
For an understanding of Russian culture, look no further. Gogol's story revolves around an official in the late-Tsarist era assigned to travel between estates, investigating deceased serfs (referred to as the souls) still listed on paperwork. Addressing what Gogol perceived as the irreversible decline of Russian life just before the revolutionary upheaval, the narrative is infused with dark humor and offers a revealing glimpse into life in Russia before the modern age.

"The Master and Margarita", by Mikhail Bulgakov
Bulgakov's "The Master and Margarita" holds a profound backstory: he risked arrest and execution for writing it, burned the original in terror, yet recreated it. Despite extensive censorship upon publication, the novel emerged as a darkly comical work of genius, featuring Satan as a main character and a memorable talking cat. A beloved and mystical tale, Bulgakov captures life in Stalin's USSR with a visit from the devil. Banned in the USSR, it was published 27 years posthumously. Revered globally, even inspiring Mick Jagger's song "Sympathy For a Devil," this 20th-century masterpiece is a must-read for all.

"Eugene Onegin," by Aleksandr Pushkin
Considered a great Russian novel, "Eugene Onegin" is entirely in verse, showcasing Pushkin's innovative style. It is a complex and lengthy work that provides a grim view of how society fosters cruelty and selfishness. Despite its poetic form, Pushkin masterfully draws readers into the story of a bored 19th-century aristocrat whose self-absorption leads to the loss of his true love.

"And Quiet Flows the Don," by Michail Aleksandrovich Sholokhov
Quiet Flows the Don," a Nobel Prize-winning novel from 1965, provides a unique perspective on Russian literature. This novel delves into the experiences of Cossacks called to fight in World War I and later the revolution. The story offers an outsider's viewpoint that is both thrilling and educational, adding diversity to the literary landscape by exploring the perspectives of various ethnic and racial groups within the Russian empire.

"Oblomov," by Ivan Goncharov
Ivan Goncharov's "Oblomov" serves as a searing indictment of the 19th-century Russian aristocracy. The titular character, Oblomov, is so lazy that he barely manages to get out of bed, creating a unique and hilariously observed narrative. What sets Oblomov apart is his complete lack of a character arc; he desires to do nothing, and, remarkably, considers achieving this state as a triumph of self- actualization. Filled with wit and smart observations, this novel stands as a one-of-a- kind exploration of idleness and aristocratic life in 19th-century Russia.

"Lolita," by Vladimir Nabokov
Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita" is widely recognized for its controversial plot, often considered morally questionable. What makes this story particularly fascinating is its exploration of a pedophile's obsessive pursuit of a young girl named Lolita. Despite its disturbing theme, "Lolita" is hailed as a brilliant work, resonating precisely because it is uncomfortably imaginable, making it a thought-provoking and disturbing exploration of human nature.

"Uncle Vanya," by Anton Chekov
Chekhov's Uncle Vanya may be a play and not a novel, but reading it is almost as enjoyable as watching it performed. The narrative revolves around an elderly man and his young second wife visiting a rural farm with the secret intention of selling it to oust the titular son-in-law who runs the estate. Initially seemingly conventional, the play delves into an exploration of identity and vanity, leading to a failed murder attempt and a poignantly contemplative ending. The play's enduring relevance is reflected in its continued production, adaptation, and use in contemporary contexts.

"Mother," by Maxim Gorky
In 1905, Russia experienced an uprising and attempted revolution that didn't fully succeed but prompted the Tsar to compromise on several issues, setting the stage for the eventual fall of the weakened empire. Gorky delves into those fragile years preceding the end of the monarchy, exploring the perspective of those who supported the revolution without knowing its eventual outcome. The narrative reflects on the uncertainties of the time, highlighting the idea that, in the moment, none of us can predict the consequences of our actions.

"Doctor Zhivago," by Boris Pasternak
Often named the "War and Peace of the 20th century," Pasternak's work draws inspiration from Leo Tolstoy's novel but is shorter and more accessible. Despite being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for "Doctor Zhivago," Pasternak was compelled to refuse it due to Soviet government pressures. The novel follows the story of Yuri Zhivago, a poet-physician navigating life during the Russian Revolution. The prose and language are remarkably beautiful, accompanied by Pasternak's poetry within the narrative. "Doctor Zhivago" is considered one of the last global masterpieces of Russian literature, deserving exploration for its enduring impact.

“A Hero of Our Time”, by Mikhail Lermontov
Grigoriy Pechorin, the main protagonist of "A Hero of Our Time," stands as Russia's first anti-hero, a character embodying nihilism and rebellion without a cause. In the current cultural landscape, there's a growing trend of featuring anti-heroes in movies and books, and Pechorin serves as a pioneering example. The novel, often regarded as the first Russian psychological novel, consists of five interconnected stories that offer insights into Pechorin's ambiguous and captivating soul and mind. Alongside Pushkin, Lermontov is considered one of the greatest Russian poets of the 19th century.

"Day of the Oprichnik," by Vladimir Sorokin
Western readers sometimes misunderstand how Russia's present is deeply rooted in its past, with attitudes, problems, and culture tracing back centuries to the time of the Tsars and the serfs. Sorokin's novel follows a government official through a day of standard terror and despair in a future where the Russian Empire has been restored. This concept resonates powerfully with modern-day Russians, illustrating the enduring impact of historical legacies on contemporary society.

“Generation P”, by Victor Pelevin
Generation P by Victor Pelevin (also known in some publications as Homo Zapiens) is a satirical novel delving into the post-Soviet era in Russia, especially the 1990s. The novel follows the protagonist Vavilen Tatarsky, a poet and journalist, as he navigates the complex and often surreal world of post-Soviet Russia. The name "Generation P" refers to the letter "P" in the Russian word "reklama", which means advertising. The novel explores the influence of Western consumer culture and advertising on Russian society during times of political and economic transformation. Generation P is known for its inventive language, combining cultural references, philosophical reflections and humor to create a unique narrative.

"The Slynx," by Tatyana Tolstaya
If you believe Russian literature is confined to 19th-century ballrooms and old- fashioned speech, Tolstaya's science fiction masterpiece may change your perspective. Set in a post-apocalyptic future after "The Blast" nearly obliterated everything, the story revolves around a few survivors turned immortals, the sole bearers of memories from the world before. This epic work of science fiction is not only a captivating narrative but also a powerful exploration of ideas. It provides insight not only into how Russians envision the future but also into their perspectives on the present.