Yes. Reading Russian history first can enhance your understanding of the novels. Russian novels often reflect the social, political and cultural context of different historical periods. For example, 'War and Peace' by Tolstoy is deeply rooted in the Napoleonic era in Russia. Knowledge of history helps you to better understand the characters' motives, the plot settings and the themes that the author wants to convey.
Sure. Russian history is complex and rich, and it has a great influence on Russian literature. Many novels are based on historical events or the general historical background. By knowing the history, you can catch on to allusions, understand the social hierarchies and class struggles depicted in the novels, and also get a sense of how the Russian people's values and beliefs have been shaped over time, which all contribute to a more profound reading experience of Russian novels.