Eduard Limonov Dies Aged 77

Hello Gentle Reader

The Russian writer, dissident and political activist, Eduard Limonov, was known for his otherwise coloruful and controversial narratives; as well as his equally anarchic political inclinations. Limonov was often seen as a punk like figure among the Russian (then Soviet) dissident writers. Rather than portraying himself as an intellectual refugee, seeking freedom of thought, expression, and press, Eduard Limonov sought to scandalize all with his transgressive accounts. His debut novel “It’s Me, Eddie,” brought him immediate attention, as the novel detailed pornographic and graphic sexual scenes, displaying Limonov’s particular interest in punk subculture. The Soviet Union decried it as filth, while others viewed with particular interest—of course, only after it became a success in France. “It’s, Me Eddie,” is was not a typical dissident writer’s book of the time. It did not carry the overtones of subtle or hidden criticism against the Soviet Union; rather the novel was conceived and delivered as a harsh reality of dissident life. Eduard Limonov’s work maintained this same style moving forward: memoir-cum-fiction, each one yet another depraved exploration of the carnal flesh, and the degradation of life. Each publication of his work cemented Eduard Limonov as a controversial and potent nuisance on the literary scene. The gulag monk, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn described Limonov as a “little insect who writes pornography,”—the Russian reading public, were equally as shocked and disturbed by his impolite and explicit discourse into the sexual (homosexual and otherwise), and his explicit defense of otherwise questionable politics. His literary output was equally as matched by his public persona. Eduard Limonov was unapologetic in his perspectives, opinions, and literary depravity; shocking, disturbing, and distinctly all his own, Eduard Limonov proved himself to being the Russian Punk Laureate of Literature, refusing to being a dissident in clear and simple terms; refusing to being literary by the standards outlined; refusing to be an intellectual for political positions. Eduard Limonov was ever contrary, perplexing, and controversial; his death will have its sighs of relief; while also pounding fists in celebrating his life, and the continual reading of his work.

Rest in Peace, Eduard Limonov.

Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader

Take Care

And As Always

Stay Well Read

M. Mary