The historical novel “The Wayfarers” is dedicated to the Russian religious split that tore all of society into two irreconcilable camps. Vladimir Lichutin, for the first time in contemporary literature, deeply and comprehensively explores this strange otherworldly yet real world—this national drama that befell Rus’ in the 17th century and that continues to accompany Russian parody to this day, confirming the Gospel commandment: “Every kingdom divided against itself will not stand.”
The novel is full of vivid pictures of Russian everyday life, rituals, and national customs—half-forgotten now—the true poetry that adorns our lives.
If in the first book the heroes are driven only by physical, worldly passions, then in the second book, having left their native homes, they set out across Rus’ to understand the meaning of Orthodoxy and to find the blessed and mysterious Belovodye— the promised land.
The heroes of the novel experience the most incredible adventures, pass through all the circles of earthly hell, and finally find spiritual grace and peace within their souls.