Published in Poland in 2021, the book was brought out by Penguin Books in the UK last year, in a translation by Antonia Lloyd-Jones.
Szabłowski’s book, which explores Russia's history and politics through its cuisine, has received high critical acclaim.
It was named a New York Times Editor’s Choice, and Daniel Stone, the bestselling author of The Food Explorer, described the publication as “a delicious odyssey full of history, humor, and jaw-dropping stories.”
Stone added: “If you want to understand the making of modern Russia, read this book.”
'Great literature that helps you understand Russia'
The New York Times hailed the book as “great literature that helps you understand Russia.”
Szabłowski’s previous books include How to Feed a Dictator, Dancing Bears: True Stories of People Nostalgic for Life Under Tyranny, and The Assassin from Apricot City.
As a reporter, he covered events in Cuba, South Africa and Iceland. He won awards for his features on illegal immigrants flocking to the European Union and the 1943 massacre of Poles in Ukraine.
He received an award from English PEN and an honourable mention in a competition run by Amnesty International.
The André Simon Awards are in memory of André Louis Simon (1877-1970), president for the Wine & Food Society for over three decades and author of more than 100 books on wine and culinary topics.
The winners of the André Simon Awards for 2023 will be announced at a ceremony in London on April 29.
(mk/gs)