The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli

In today’s episode of The Nordic Reader we are joined by Daniel Seton to discuss Giuliano da Empoli’s novel, The Wizard of the Kremlin. The Editorial Director at Pushkin Press, Daniel acquired and published the English translation in the UK. Originally published in French, The Wizard of the Kremlin is translated by Willard Wood. The Wizard of the Kremlin is a fictionalised account inspired by a real person, one of Vladimir Putin’s most important advisors who is thought to be responsible for much of the strategy behind Putin’s rise to power in Russia. In da Empoli’s novel, the unnamed narrator - a student doing some research on Yevgeny Zamyatin - is travelling in Moscow when he is invited to meet the enigmatic Vadim Baranov. Putin’s right hand man and head of propaganda, Baranov is a master of theatre and performance. He knows exactly how to spin a story, how to control the narrative, and how to build an empire. He has recently retired and retreated from the public eye. And while he scoffs at the idea of writing his memoirs, Baranov shares his story with the narrator. Starting in Soviet era Russia, Baranov draws back the curtain on the truth of power and democracy, the role of technology and propaganda in Vladimir Putin’s rise to power, and the events and decisions that established Russian politics as we know them today.Giuliano da Empoli is an Italian-Swiss political scientist, who was once a senior advisor to the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, and is now a professor at Sciences Po in Paris. The book has been translated into 36 languages, and has a been made into a film which premiered at the 2025 Venice film festival. Books Mentioned: The Wizard of the Kremlin - Giuliano da EmpoliThe Hour of the Predator - Giuliano da EmpoliAt Night All Blood is Black - David DiopStrange Houses - UketsuOur Wild Garden - Daniel Seton, illustrated by Pieter FannesWilding - Isabella Tree The Wasp Factory - Ian Banks The Mask of Dimitrios - Eric AmblerSovietistan - Erika Fatland Nothing to See Here - Kevin WilsonNow Is Not the Time to Panic - Kevin WilsonGuest: Daniel SetonProducer and Host: Mia ToddCo-host: Francis Neale Editing and Marketing: Hanna Todd