Orlando Figes – Writing Expert in Russian History
Orlando Figes created a number of novels and books that talked about the fabled Russian History. Many of his written creations had Figes receiving a number of writing and literary awards and recognition from many Russian, English and other award-giving bodies. In fact, it was in 1997 when Figes bagged 5 awards for his controversial book, called People’s Tragedy: A Russian Revolution. This book by Figes offers a good understanding on the reason why the Russian Revolution came to be, particularly during the time when the existing generation then is full of complications. Figes’ book was published in 1996; immediately it earned tons of admiration from many book critics. The author likewise gained the respect that he deserves from his peers; this is because of his tactfulness to talk about taboo subjects. Critics marvel on his approach on his book’s summary. Clearly, the book leaves an impact to thousands of Russians. The major literary prizes for Figes’ work are Longman, W.H. Smith Award, Wolfson Prize, LA Times Prize, and NCR Book Award.
In 2009, Orlando Figes took home the prestigious prize Przeglad Wschodni. This was a Polish-based Award given only to the most moving novels that tackle East European History. This major award was given specifically for Figes’ work, Natasha’s Dance, Cultural History of Russia. This book is mainly about the enlightenment of the Russia people during the Revolution. The author of the novel is actually enthralled by anything about Russia; its books, poetry, paintings and arts, in general. Natasha’s dance is all about Russian customs, ideas, and beliefs. He derives his ideas from the War and Peace novel by Tolstoy. In his own novel, Natasha the Countess was listening to a popular Russian tune and simply started dancing and swirling to a farmer’s dance. Natasha’s Dance, Figes delicate novel, was later on short-listed for a number of awards, such as Duff Cooper and Samuel Johnson Prizes in 2003.
Apart from Orlando Figes Natasha’s Dance, there are other books that he authored, which were likewise short-listed for many literary awards. One of these is Whisperers: Private Life of Stalin; this was shortlisted for Ondaatje and Samuel Johnson Writing Prizes; these citations were both given in 2008. Les Chuchoteurs, on the other hand, was shortlisted for the Prix Medicis of 2009. Another impressive work of Figes, Sospetto e Silenzio, was considered for the 2010 Premio Roma. One of his more popular works, The Whisperers, was published in the year 2007. In this novel, Figes tried to tackle about the old Soviet Union, a society that wanted to place judgments on Russian citizen’s private lives. Likewise, the Whisperers talked about the lives of Russian people under Stalin and how everyone coped with his leadership.