Sergei Lebedev’s “Lady of the Mine” is a novel that explores Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, and its characters’ experiences in occupied territories. The book has been praised for its clear depiction of Russian forces as perpetrators of war crimes, rather than victims or pawns in Putin‘s game.
The novel’s portrayal of Russian culture is also noteworthy, with the author depicting seedy clubs that showcase Russian chanson music – a genre that romanticizes criminality. This serves to underscore the moral decay associated with contemporary Russia and its military presence in Ukraine.
Lebedev’s work has been dedicated to exploring Russia’s past and how it has failed to confront its darkest moments in history, which have shaped its present. The novel exposes the crimes of empire and the system that enables them, without appealing to Russian nationalism or romanticizing the country’s past.
The author’s reception has been stronger among international audiences, suggesting that anti-war literature from Russia is not yet a prominent trend in contemporary Russian exile literature. However, Lebedev’s work serves as a striking exemplar of literary dissent and a step towards understanding the monstrosity Russia has become.
Ultimately, the novel suggests that if Russia is to have any future, it will need to become another country – a statement echoed by Lebedev himself in an interview.