AST, “Read-Gorod” and “Bukvoed” withdrew books by Akunin and Bykov from sales

Books by Russian writers Boris Akunin and Dmitry Bykov (recognized by the Ministry of Justice as a foreign agent) will not be published by AST publishing house until a legal assessment of their political statements. The chain of stores “Read-Gorod – Bukvoed” has suspended sales of books by these authors.

“Public statements by writers that have caused widespread public outcry require legal assessment. Until the situation is clarified, the publication and shipment of books will not be resumed,” as stated on AST website words of the general director of the publishing house Pavel Grishkov.

Network “Read-city – Bukvoed” suspended book sales due to “recent statements by writers that have received widespread media coverage.”

Dmitry Bykov, commenting RBC news about the suspension of the publication of his AST books, stated that he did not live on book royalties, earning money through journalism and teaching. “The publishing house did not notify me of anything, but I am grateful to it for the fact that it continued to publish me two years after leaving. Usually, at least in the USSR, they stopped printing emigrants immediately,” he said. In his opinion, readers will still read his books. “It’s high time to understand that it is impossible to ban a book,” said the writer.

Both Boris Akunin and Dmitry Bykov now live outside of Russia. Both writers criticized the fighting in Ukraine. A few days ago, Boris Akunin, in a prank by Vovan and Lexus, said that he understands the concept of “a good Russian is a dead Russian,” considers UAV attacks on Russian cities and the Crimean Bridge normal, and advocates the division of Russia. In a conversation with the same pranksters, writer Dmitry Bykov promised to donate the fee for a new book to drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Read more about what happens after the entry of Russian troops into Ukraine. online broadcasts “Ъ”.

Anastasia Larina