by Xinhua writers Vladislava Chugueva, Zhang Chaoqun
MOSCOW, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Literature from China is finding an increasingly receptive audience in Russia, with works by Chinese authors gaining popularity and attracting growing interest from local publishers.
At the ongoing 39th Moscow International Book Fair, where China is the Guest of Honour, more than 2,000 titles and nearly 5,000 copies of China-themed books are on display as part of the Guest of Honour program themed "Reading China."
For Russian publishers, the growing appeal of Chinese literature has created new opportunities to introduce a wider range of Chinese works to the market.
Eksmo, one of Russia's largest general-interest publishing houses, has become a key publisher of translated Chinese-language works.
Eksmo editor Daria Shpakovskaya told Xinhua that books set in ancient China are particularly popular among young Russian readers.
"It doesn't matter whether it's fantasy or not. The men in robes, the women in beautiful costumes, the intrigue, the complicated relationships -- that's what makes it great. It's something new, and that's what really draws people in," she said.
The rising appeal of Chinese literature has also been fueled by the rising presence of Asian animation, television series and games in Russia.
"Interest in China is now fashionable, and even though I'm no longer young, I see that the children of my friends are immersed not in European culture, but in Asian culture," said Andrey Chernikov, an international copyright specialist at Eksmo.
Shpakovskaya said that through literature, television and visual arts, Russian readers are gaining a better understanding of Chinese culture, which helps foster closer cultural exchanges between the two countries. She noted that many young Chinese people are also choosing to study in Russia.
"We are very pleased that the Chinese side has also become interested in the Russian market. There is a real cultural exchange. We are interested in their literature, and they are interested in ours," she said.
Eksmo also publishes Russian-language editions of novels by Chinese writer Mo Yan. The editions have gained popularity in the Russian market, with stylish cover designs to attract younger readers.
Shpakovskaya added that young readers are drawn to Mo Yan not only because of his reputation as a renowned Chinese writer, but also because his works feature diverse narrative styles and explore a wide range of themes.
Staff at the publishing house said that while Mo Yan is regarded as a major literary figure, the modern presentation of his works has helped bring his writing to a younger generation.
"Mo Yan's readership consists not of teenagers, but rather of new-adult audiences," Shpakovskaya said. "Still, many dedicated fans of Asian literature and members of fandom communities are willing to take on his dense and complex works." ■