THIS event, part of Newcastle's Festival of Stories, was hosted by Natasha Perova, who edits Glas, a Moscow-based publishing venture dedicated to bringing Russian literature to the West. Dubbed "the Russian Granta', Glas appears thrice-yearly, showcasing Russian literary talent in English translation. Natasha spoke fluidly, without notes. Her measured delivery never lost the audience's attention, while passion for her work enhanced every word. "I wish to share the treasure in my hands with English-speaking people," she enthused. She read excerpts from the Glas back catalogue, covering subjects from love among artists to life in the gulags. The latest Glas release, Strange Soviet Practices, explores the all-pervasive fear felt under the Soviet system.

Natasha remains unconcerned by criticism that Glas focuses too much on the past. "Not everything has been properly analysed yet," she said. "Young Russians need a reminder that the Soviet experience was cruel and inhuman." She went on to describe the games Soviet writers played, encoding their messages in fable to thwart the censors. This "kitchen culture" sharing of subversive literature allowed good writing to survive underground throughout the Soviet period.

Yet the Glas remit extends beyond the exorcism of Soviet ghosts. Glas stories read at a related festival event (written by Evgeni Popov and Natalia Smirnova) demonstrated an understanding of the universal nature of emotion and experience. Both funny and thought-provoking, Glas books offer us a privileged window into a culture which stills remains largely a mystery.

Published: 30/10/2004