The interview with prose-writer and historian S. Belyakov discusses the documentary novel as a genre and the characteristics of the historical approach to contemporary literature. According to Belyakov, his primary goal as a writer is to show the person the way they were in real life and examine the sources without bias, avoiding preconception-driven rejection of material. If the study of the available material prompts a change in the perception of the hero’s personality, such material deserves attention. Therefore, he argues that the author should be led by material. This ensures interest in their work since the person remains the most captivating subject. Belyakov followed this principle in his biographies of L. Gumilyov, G. Efron, and other personalities of the 20th century, who are just as important to him as the historic period itself a perennial protagonist of Belyakov’s studies. He is convinced that the main goal of contemporary writers of documentary prose is to overcome both subjectivity and ideology.