Sultanov, K. (2025). Evolution and tradition: From literature in a ‘newly created written language’ to a narrative identity. Moscow: IMLI RAN. (In Russ.)

Abstract

The review discusses K. Sultanov’s monograph on the evolution and operation of literatures in newly created written languages in Russia, examined in the context of emerging narrative identities. In his study of historic-literary and theoretical aspects, the scholar explores the balance between tradition and innovation as the key factor driving the development of multiethnic literature. The book’s method synthesizes the approaches of philosophy, cultural studies, and literary theory, ensuring the holistic quality of the research. Analyzing works of various local ethnic literatures and Russian literature, the study uncovers processes that guide the transformation of the local ethnic worldview, the role of historical memory, and the risks of ‘hijacking’ history. The book takes a close look at the dialogue between literatures and cultures and examines the importance of maintaining an equilibrium between tradition and modernity amid postmodern relativism. The reviewer suggests that the findings of the study will be helpful for the analysis of ethnic literatures in a global context.