International Book Club: Day of the Oprichnik by Vladimir Sorokin
Tue, Dec 02
|Staunton Books & Tea
Dark satire, dystopian humor, and a dash of Russian history—join us for Day of the Oprichnik with Julia Sabin. She’ll decode the novel’s hidden meanings while you enjoy tea sips and chocolate bites, as always.


Time & Location
Dec 02, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Staunton Books & Tea, 34 E Beverley St, Staunton, VA 24401, USA
About the event
Step into the shadowy world of Vladimir Sorokin’s Day of the Oprichnik, a darkly satirical novel that has captivated—and unsettled—readers since its release in 2006. Many believe this short, haunting work offers a chilling metaphor for today’s Russia.
Our special guest, Julia Sabin—proprietor of Staunton Books & Tea, who grew up in Russia and Ukraine—will guide us through the novel’s symbols, hidden meanings, and biting humor. Be prepared for a thought-provoking journey through 200 pages of dystopian satire where power, tradition, and the absurd collide.
Join us for an evening of literature, history, and conversation that promises to be as illuminating as it is unforgettable.
Schedule:
6:30 PM – Arrive early to get your tea brewed
7:00–8:30 PM – Book discussion