First published in Polish in 2021 and released in its English-language version in November 2023, “What's Cooking in the Kremlin: A Modern History of Russia Through the Kitchen Door” explores Russia's history and politics through its cuisine.
Szabłowski, known for his inventive approach to storytelling, previously delved into the lives of dictators' chefs in "How to Feed a Dictator." In his latest work, he shifts focus to Russia, tracing the role of food from the era of the last czar to Vladimir Putin's reign. The author examines how culinary matters have been utilized in Russian politics to sway public opinion.
On January 15, Szabłowski shared the exciting news about his book's performance in the US market. "Dreams do come true," he wrote on Facebook, revealing the book's feature in the New York Times as one of the most interesting books to be published in 2023, followed by a full-page review and a recommendation for the coming week. The Times hailed the book as "great literature that helps you understand Russia," focusing on how food, or the lack thereof, has shaped history.
Szabłowski's previous work, "How to Feed a Dictator," also resonated in the US, with the rights for a film adaptation being purchased by actor Channing Tatum's production company. The author had announced his involvement in co-writing and co-producing a potential feature series based on the book, though further updates on this project have not been made public.
Source: PAP