Russian Book Fair in Paris Celebrates Literary Heritage with Grace and Grandeur

From December 5 to 7, the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center in Paris opened its doors to the 11th edition of the Russian Book Fair, “Russkaya Literatura.” The event transformed the heart of Paris into a meeting place for readers, writers, and lovers of Russian culture, creating an atmosphere filled with stories, ideas and shared passion for literature.

This year’s fair carried a special glow as it honored three towering figures of Russian letters. The 155th birth anniversaries of Ivan Bunin and Alexander Kuprin, along with the 130th anniversary of Sergei Yesenin, brought a sense of remembrance and celebration. Their timeless works, still cherished across generations, added depth and emotion to the event’s spirit.

The gathering unfolded as a vibrant meeting of Russian and French writers, publishers, diplomats, translators and leading voices from France’s cultural and scientific circles, joined by fellow Russians and the press. Distinguished guests included His Excellency Rinat Alyautdinov, the Russian Ambassador to UNESCO, alongside diplomats and media representatives.

11TH RUSSIAN BOOK FAIR — RUSSKAYA LITERATURA

In his welcoming address, His Excellency Alexey Meshkov, Ambassador of Russia to France, reflected on the long journey of the Russian Book Fair and its enduring place in the world of literature.

“Over its ten years of existence, the Fair has firmly established itself in the Russian cultural landscape in France, becoming an essential event for representatives of the professional literary community in Paris, and above all, a true celebration for book lovers – the Fair has won the public’s favor and fostered a loyal following, with many visitors returning with pleasure.”

“Russian literature from those years constitutes a cultural phenomenon in its own right: it has become a document of its time, a living memory of the people and a moral reference point for future generations,” – Alexey Meshkov, Ambassador of Russia to France.

“The 11th Russian Book Fair in Paris, ‘Russkaya Literatura,’ was also dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory over the Nazi regime in 1945, to which the exhibition ‘Russian Emigration: Heroes of the European Resistance,’ organized by the A. Solzhenitsyn Foundation for the Heritage of the Russian Emigration, was dedicated, ” he added.

Publishers, independent authors, and booksellers presented a vibrant collection of new books. Visitors explored Russian classics and contemporary works translated into French, as well as books by French authors inspired by Russia.

Dr. Larissa Noury, PhD in Arts and Architecture—an architect, colorist, and visual artist—brought a vibrant touch to the fair with her lecture, “SAINT PETERSBURG: Symbolism and Language of Colors in Architectural Heritage.”

Through her talk, she led the audience into the poetic world of color, showing how shades shape a city’s spirit and memory. She also presented her books, symbolic studies of color, and reproductions of her paintings—works alive with light, texture, and emotion.

“I exhibited my books, tactile artworks, calligraphies, and drawings,” she shared, offering a glimpse into the rich, multisensory universe of her art.

Celebrating its resounding success, Parisian journalist and art critic Quel Natalia hailed the Russian Literature Book Fair as the ‘star of the fair,’ drawing an enthusiastic community of readers. Gratitude was warmly extended to Larissa, whose professionalism, intelligence and erudition continue to inspire.

“This year has been marked by a singular wealth of publications dedicated to, connected with, and inspired by Russia. Their diversity and quality surpass not only previous years but all previous periods. Among them are serious studies of Russian philosophy, history, and art, their connections to global culture and thought, as well as a large number of talented novels and translations of contemporary and classical Russian literature,” noted Irina Rekchan, President of the Book Fair.

Over three vibrant days, the fair blossomed into a space of discovery and dialogue, reaffirming—with the support of the Russian Emigration Heritage Foundation.