Light Breathing [Lyogkoe dykhanie] and heavy symptoms of the era On Aleksey Oleynikov’s novella

Abstract

The article analyzes Aleksey Oleynikov’s novella Light Breathing [Lyogkoe dykhanie]. An example of artistic fanfiction, the book is loosely based on I. Bunin’s short story of the same name. The fanfic originated as a piece of amateur writing inspired by a beloved original work and until recently remained within the domain of the fic writer (creator of fanfic) subculture, separated from professional literature. However, Boroda argues that, following a long period of accumulation, fanfiction is shifting from the realm of dilettantes into the professional sphere and forming its distinct genre structure in the process. Thus, Oleynikov’s Light Breathing features a fusion of detective and psychological fiction, as well as detailed portraits of characters Bunin mentions only fleetingly. The article also outlines modern literary trends connected with the legalization of fanfiction and considers the conditions necessary for its conversion into a bona fide literary movement.