Detonation

In a new collection of stories by the winner of the “Big Book” prize, we find an honest portrayal of a generation overwhelmed by the changes of the times. Inner certainty has given way to anxious caution. Senchin skillfully shows how chaos in the surrounding world seeps into personal life, turning everyday conversations and social networks into a field of invisible struggle over meanings and relationships. Senchin’s novel (born 1971) is a well-known writer, winner of “Big Book” and “Yasnaya Polyana” awards. His works include the novels “Eltyshevs,” “Flood Zone,” “Rain in Paris,” collections “Zeroes,” “Teens,” “Nineties,” as well as the biography of Alexander Tynyakov in the “LIFE” series. “Detonation” is a new collection of short stories. Days became short and empty, nights long, with broken sleep; people woke up and checked the news of the world. The main character sought comfort in songs and books that he grew up with, hoping they would contain advice and an exit, but everything proved useless and devalued. He was drawn to communication, even though he understood that it could be dangerous, and an ill-considered word or a smirk could lead to an argument or a breakup. His wife, as if sensing it, limited herself to talking about everyday things, but looked crushed—shrunk in height, more often with her hands resting on the rounded belly—and when he hugged her, she trembled. Often and in small ways.