British and US bestsellers hit by purge in Russian bookshops

Russian Bookshop Censorship

A Russian book distributor has ordered shops to return or destroy certain books. This includes works by Pulitzer Prize-winner Jeffery Eugenides and British bestseller Bridget Collins. The order is part of ongoing censorship in Russia's literary scene.

Trading House BMM sent a letter this week to bookstores. The letter listed 37 titles that must be removed from sale. It also included works by Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek and Japanese novelist Ryu Murakami.

This censorship has increased since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Books with anti-war themes, LGBTQ topics, and criticism of Russia's leadership are targeted.

The letter warned of "adverse consequences" if specific books were not pulled from shelves. It mentioned suspicions that these books "do not comply with Russian laws," but did not provide details.

Booksellers must "immediately cease sales" and either return or destroy the titles. They must also confirm in writing that they have destroyed the copies.

In 2013, Russia banned promoting "non-traditional sexual orientations" to minors. Since the invasion of Ukraine, this law has expanded to include all ages.

Moscow has labeled the so-called "international LGBT movement" as an "extremist organization." However, no official movement exists.

The BMM letter follows a high-profile case against publishers of LGBT-themed titles like A Summer in the Red Scarf.