New Research on Russian Literature and Media

Triple Book Launch

Join us for a book launch celebrating three recent academic publications that explore Russian media, culture, and literature across different periods and perspectives. The launch features the following books: Contesting Feminism and Media Culture in Contemporary Russia: From Celebrities to Anti-war Activists by Saara Ratilainen, Galina Miazhevich, Daniil Zhaivoronok, and Eeva Kuikka (Routledge, 2026); Human-Animal Relations in the Indigenous Literatures of the Soviet North by Eeva Kuikka (Palgrave Macmillan, 2026); and Women in the First World War and the Russian Civil War: Voices and Representations in Russian Literature by Olga Simonova (Routledge, 2026).

The programme includes a moderated discussion with the authors, chaired by Professor Marja Sorvari (University of Eastern Finland), followed by informal discussion and networking with refreshments. The event will be held in English and can be attended both on-site and online.

Programme:
15:00 Opening and introduction
15:10–16:00 Presentations by the authors
16:00–16:20 Refreshments
16:20–17:00 Discussion (moderated by Professor Marja Sorvari)

Date and time: 7 May 2026, 15:00–17:00
Location: Pinni B0040, Tampere University, Kanslerinrinne 1, 33100 Tampere

Authors:

  • Saara Ratilainen – University Lecturer in Russian Language, Tampere University (Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Language Studies)
  • Galina Miazhevich – Senior Lecturer at the School of Journalism, Media, and Culture, University of Cardiff
  • Daniil Zhaivoronok – Doctoral Researcher, Tampere University (Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Language Studies)
  • Eeva Kuikka – Grant Researcher, University of Turku
  • Olga Simonova – Grant Researcher, University of Turku

The event is organised as part of the research project Revealing Official and Alternative Gender Discourses: Women’s (Self) Representations in Russia’s Wars, 1914–2024, funded by the Kone Foundation (2026–2028, PI Olga Simonova).

Registration
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. A participation link will be sent to registered participants. Please register via the following link: Books and Bubbles

Registration deadline: 3 May 2026

All are warmly welcome.