Чтение в мире без книг. О литературе в Манараге Владимира Сорокина

Abstract

The paper is an attempt to interpret the metaliterary aspect of Vladimir Sorokin’s novel titled Manaraga. Thorough analysis of the text has revealed the postmodern understanding of literary activity as the pivotal element of Sorokin’s narration. Thus, the narrator along with his words do not represent reality but create it in an almost divine manner. The interpretation also suggests that the novel has an underlying message seeping from its every page – cognition and reading are inextricably connected. Moreover, deep cognition needs a plurality of ideas/views/points of view, which is present only in a world in which books are read and not consumed.