Women in literature: what the new meeting of the Literary Club "What to Read?!" is about

Why do we still speak about "women’s literature" — and is it necessary to use this term at all? The meeting of the literary club "What to Read?!" at the National Centre RUSSIA will bring together a poet, an editor, and a researcher for a discussion about women in literature and beyond. The speakers will explain how women’s voices in literature have evolved and why they sound especially clear today.

Guests will be invited to discuss what women read in different periods, how attitudes towards so-called "women’s" themes have changed, and what now lies behind the phrases "a woman written by a man" and "a woman written by a woman". Together with the speakers, participants will explore why in Russia the image of a woman in literature is almost always something more than just a character — and how this relates to real life and the voices of contemporary authors.

"We will discuss whether 'women’s' and 'men’s' literature exist, look at the differences, and talk about how women write about themselves. As an editor, I work mainly with women authors, and I have much to share with you," said Candidate of Philological Sciences, literary scholar, writer, and editor Yelena Afonina.

Poet and writer Margarita Pankratova (Rita Ritorika) suggests looking at creativity without the usual drama.

"You know what my philosophy is? No tears or suffering. Well, almost. I will talk about where to find inspiration when you are mentally healthy and everything is going well. Why should a poet be responsible? And how can a creative person write without drama? Come for inspiration and warmth," the writer invited.

The meeting will be moderated by Alexei Chesnakov, Head of the Academic Council of the Centre for Political Conjuncture, Professor at HSE University, and author of the Telegram channel "Chesnakov. Library". The discussion will also feature writer Natalia Urbanskaya, a member of the Federation of Cultural Figures and Artists and a lecturer at the Russian society Znanie.

The meeting of the Literary Club "What to Read?!" titled "Women in Literature and Beyond" will take place on 20 March from 19:00 to 20:30. Registration is available via the link.