Not Russian: A novel

A journalist named Pavel and his wife Tatyana are caught up in a terrorist attack at the Church of the Epiphany in Nikolskoye near Moscow. The terrorists demand the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and Pavel is asked to negotiate with them. As the stakes get higher, Vadim's story is revealed, and it becomes clear that the first meeting between the two men was not all it seemed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

A gripping and illuminating novel that delves into the recent Russian aggressions and the human lives caught in the crossfire.

One evening in 2015, journalist Pavel Vladimirovich and his wife Tatyana are at home when the news breaks that a terrorist attack has taken place. Over a hundred people have been taken hostage in the Church of the Epiphany in the village of Nikolskoye near Moscow. As they watch the unfolding events on the TV screen, the face of one of the terrorists, Vadim Petrovich Seryegin, an old friend of Pavel's, appears.

The friendship between the two men has evolved through periods of conflict, war, peace, emigration, and isolation. Pavel may be one of Vadim's only friends, and when others realize this, he is asked to negotiate with Vadim.

As Pavel enters the church, it is horrifyingly silent. Vadim welcomes Pavel but refuses to surrender. As the stakes continue to rise, Vadim's story, including his connection to the wars in Chechnya and the Ukraine, is revealed, and it becomes clear that the first meeting between the two men was not as it seemed.

Back in the church, Pavel learns that the terrorists have one and only one demand: they want the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to be released. The situation is tense, and time is running out. Pavel must navigate the complex web of politics and diplomacy to find a solution that will save both the hostages and the President.

The novel is a powerful exploration of the human cost of conflict and the complexities of international relations. It sheds light on the lives of the characters, their struggles, and their sacrifices as they navigate the treacherous waters of a world on the brink of disaster.

Through its compelling narrative and well-developed characters, "The Meeting" offers a thought-provoking perspective on the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crossfire. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern warfare and the human toll it takes.

Weight: 172g
Dimension: 135 x 211 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787704879