Volga BluesVolga Blues

In this work of reported nonfiction, an Italian journalist travels undercover along the Volga River to document contemporary Russian society following the invasion of Ukraine and restrictions on foreign media. Framed as a historical and cultural journey, the narrative combines travel reporting, interviews, and analysis informed by Russian history and literature. Through conversations with a wide range of individuals, the author examines public attitudes toward war, nationalism, religion, and relations with the West, as well as perceptions of Russia's past and future. The book situates present-day Russia within longer historical, ideological, and cultural contexts and includes a map and black-and-white photographs.