The Fortress

The main hero of his new novel “The Fortress” is the archaeologist Ivan Maltsov, a true fan of his craft—honest and principled to the point of recklessness. He conducts excavations in an old Russian town, writes a book about the history of the Golden Horde, and—just like the Mongol warrior from his dream-visions—rushes to save the ancient Fortress that faces destruction at the hands of local nouveau-riche and capital officials. Medieval legends receive a new reading, the action develops rapidly, and everything culminates in a sharp and unexpected finale.