What are the characteristics of the best contemporary Russian novels?

The 'Moscow Trilogy' by Venedikt Yerofeyev is also remarkable. It delves into the life in Moscow during a certain period, with complex characters and a unique narrative style that combines humor and melancholy, painting a vivid picture of the Russian society at that time.

Well, in contemporary Russian romance novels, family and social status play important roles. The hero or heroine may have to struggle against family expectations or the constraints of their social class to be with their loved one. Also, the language used can be very expressive. Russian has a lot of words to describe deep emotions, and these are often used to great effect in the novels to convey the intensity of the romantic relationships.

The characteristics of top contemporary Russian novels can be diverse. One aspect is the use of symbolism. In novels like 'The Geographer Drank His Globe Away', the globe can be seen as a symbol of the character's lost dreams. Another is the ability to create a sense of melancholy and longing. This is often associated with the Russian literary tradition in general. Also, they usually have a strong narrative drive. Even in complex works like 'Peterburg', the story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged, despite the multiple layers of meaning and complex language.

One characteristic is the exploration of complex human relationships. Russian short stories often depict the intricate connections between family members, friends, and lovers. Another is the deep sense of place. The settings in these stories, whether it's a small Russian village or a big city like Moscow, are vividly described and play an important role in the narrative. Also, many contemporary Russian short stories deal with themes of identity, both personal and national.

Many of them are deeply psychological. For example, Dostoevsky's works often explore the inner turmoil of his characters. They also tend to be quite long and detailed, like 'War and Peace', which gives a comprehensive view of Russian society at a certain time.

The best modern Russian novels often have a deep exploration of the human condition. For example, in 'Doctor Zhivago', the characters are complex and their emotions are multi - layered, showing how people struggle with love, identity, and purpose during a time of great upheaval. They also tend to be rich in cultural and historical context. In 'A Hero of Our Time', we can see the influence of the Russian society and its values on the protagonist's actions.

One characteristic is their in - depth exploration of the Russian soul. They often show the complex emotions, values and beliefs of the Russian people. For example, in Dostoevsky's works, we can see the characters' inner struggles between good and evil.

One of the great contemporary Russian novels is 'A Hero of Our Time' by Mikhail Lermontov. It delves into the complex psyche of the main character, Pechorin, exploring themes like love, boredom, and the search for meaning. Another is 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov. This novel combines elements of the supernatural, satire, and a profound exploration of good and evil in Soviet society. And 'Cancer Ward' by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is also notable, as it gives a vivid picture of life in a Soviet hospital ward, while also making broader statements about life, death, and the human condition in the context of the Soviet Union.

There's also 'The Envelope' by Andrei Gelasimov. It tells a story full of mystery and human drama. The characters are well - developed, and the plot unfolds in a way that makes you keep turning the pages, exploring the relationships and the secrets within the story.

The best contemporary Italian novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, many are set in specific Italian cities or regions, like Naples in Elena Ferrante's works. They also tend to explore complex human relationships, be it friendship, love, or family. Another characteristic is the exploration of historical and social contexts, such as how Umberto Eco delved into medieval history in 'The Name of the Rose'.