Vyacheslav Repin

novel 2005
re-edition 2021

304 p. (print edition)

language : Russian, French

The novel “Antigonia” is contemporary and demanding. It is aimed above all at readers keen to discover people who are different from them, readers who still believe that writing, literature and art are invested with a mission.

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publisher’s summary

As parallel lines eventually come together at infinite lengths, the different axes of this story eventually converge in an unexpected, witty culmination, which leaves the reader with new directions to ponder when the book is finished. Subtly intertwined threads which seem to purposefully confuse the reader, in actual fact lead one to consider profound issues of writing and of the human consciousness (and conscience).

Two contemporary writers of entirely different backgrounds, a Russian and an American, are drawn together by friendship and a complex antagonism. Their common passion for sea bass fishing in Brittany provides the opportunity for a real literary showdown. One discovers at a turn of the road – through joys and sorrows – that each hero possesses uncompromising, personal moral and philosophical commitment to their epoch. Through the story of an intense and eventful relationship, one perceives an acute vision of contemporary society and culture, of today’s world, in France, Russia and America.

The first Russian edition of Antigonia was published by Terra Publisher, 2005, Moscow, (print edition).

The first French edition of Antigonia  was published by Éditions Temps & Periodes, 2008, Paris (print edition).

“Antigonia” has not yet been translated into English.

Antigonia, a word from the author

“Should one write about writers? Whether their lot is enviable or not, be it success or failure, I believe that, in the end, everything has been said on that topic. By writing this text I wanted, first of all, to push the boundaries of literature further.

I have written slowly, imposed many constraints upon myself, made many awkward mistakes… I have not done any better than my characters, who bear only a minimal resemblance to me and yet are my two alter ego at the same time. Hesitating between two worlds, one as improbable as the other…”

October 2009

V. Repin about his book (in Russian), January 2012, Paris (6.00)


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