Boris Akunin ​

Boris Akunin is the pen name of Grigori Chkhartishvili, a Russian writer. He's known for his series of historical detective novels about Erast Fandorin. He's one of the most widely read contemporary Russian authors and has been translated into numerous languages.

Quick Facts ​

• Has written more than 60 novels.
• His books are translated into more than 30 languages.
• His historical crime series, known as The Adventures of Erast Fandorin, has sold tens of millions of copies in Russia alone.
• His works have inspired a number of films, TV series and computer games.
• In 2000, he was named Russian Writer of the Year and won the "Antibooker" prize in 2000 for his Erast Fandorin novel, Coronation.
• His pseudonym Akunin is inspired from the Japanese word for 'villain'.

Background ​

Akunin was born in 1956 in Zaporizhia, Soviet Union, into a military aircraft engineer's family. His real name is Grigori Chkhartishvili and he is widely known as a Russian writer, essayist, and critic. He graduated as a linguist from Moscow State University. After earning his degree, Akunin worked as a translator and later as the editor in chief of the 20th-century foreign detective fiction series. He began to write novels in the mid-1990s, under the pseudonym Boris Akunin, which he took from the Japanese word akunin, meaning "villain."

His best known works are his detective series about the 19th-century sleuth Erast Fandorin. These novels have made him one of the most widely read authors in Russia. His other popular series is about Sister Pelagia, a Russian Orthodox nun detective, and the 'Genius Detective' Miliukov. He is known for his intricate plots, humor and exploration of the Russian character.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Akunin's writing style is known for its intellectual flavor. His works often infuse aspects of history and culture with intricate plots and richly drawn characters. He's highly appreciated for his ability to create suspense, carefully integrate scenarios from East and West, and offer mystery readers a different perspective through his work. His innovative detective fiction has expanded the genre boundaries and fostered a renewed interest in historical mysteries.

Notable Works ​

• The Winter Queen (1998)
• The Turkish Gambit (1998)
• Murder on the Leviathan (1998)
• The Death of Achilles (1998)
• Special Assignments (2007)
• The Diamond Chariot (2011)