The Incomprehensible Novel

Ivan Shipnigov b. 1987 — screenwriter, writer, author of the novel "Stream" and the collection of stories "Oil, Blizzard and Other Merry Gods". Laureate of the "Moscow Art Prize" and finalist of the literary prizes "Yasnaya Polyana", "NOS" and "National... Bestseller". In the new book "The Incomprehensible Novel", there are two plot lines. In one, the hero gives an interview to an imaginary YouTube blogger, and in the other — at night he searches for treasure with a friend in a forest near Moscow. A drunken interview without editing becomes a space of nostalgia for the years 2017–2019, when rappers came to the imaginary YouTube blogger and talked about girls and creativity, while a romantic walk turns into a psychedelic trip, where the initial goal is quickly lost, and the main task becomes returning home... "The Incomprehensible Novel" is a journey deep within oneself in the genre of autofiction, an attempt to hide from the roaring 2020s "in a cozy home" made of real family values. A farewell to youth, acceptance of sobriety, a confession of love. "Ivan Shipnigov amazes: unexpected twists of the plot, paradoxical thinking, true wit that does not turn into cheap humor. The new prose format created by Shipnigov captivates, it disturbs. But the main thing: the effect of recognition. You read and constantly catch yourself thinking that this and that has happened to you, that you acted this way and thought this way... I am sure that many, opening "The Incomprehensible Novel", will find something close to themselves in it. In the end, everything is clear there. And cleansingly sad." Roman Senchin "— In general, have you noticed how in our culture arriving in Moscow is considered a salvation from all troubles? If you feel bad somewhere — and you usually feel bad everywhere — then you need to go to Moscow, and there it will definitely be good. I can imagine how you, old Muscovites, dislike us, endlessly coming from our villages seeking salvation in Moscow. Although I live in Moscow as if I were still in a village…"