I just finished Henri Troyat’s Ivan the Terrible, a biography of the 16th century Russian tsar Ivan IV. The book is written in a lively and engaging style that made it feel more like a story than an academic book. From what I gather, it’s fairly historically accurate though. I think I’ve actually read this exact book some 30 years ago, possibly for a school essay. My father recommended Ivan IV as a subject. My father was a weird dude. Anyway, Ivan the Terrible and his brutal reign has eery echoes with modern Russian leaders and society. I wonder, will Russia ever find its way? Or has it perhaps accepted this is its lot and will travel this road to the bitter end?

Next I’ll be reading Junji Ito’s manga Remina. I have some familiarity with Ito’s style, but I don’t think I’ve ever actually read any of his work. Should be interesting.