Alexandra Kosteniuk, chessmaster Alexandra Kosteniuk, 17, is not likely most people’s stereotype of a female chess champion. The pretty young Russian sports a provocative smile and a devilish spark in her eye—a far cry from the bookish, hard-nosed competitor some might be led to expect. 100 Young Russians
Andrei Korolyov, artist When young Andrei Korolyov drew his 400th portrait, he made it to the Russian Book of Records. Soon after, a jury of adult artists and art scholars issued Korolyov an official diploma testifying that his portraits “are characterized by an individual style and bear a resemblance to the original.” 100 Young Russians
Andrei Korkunov, chocolatier From early in his “happy Soviet childhood,” Andrei Korkunov, 39, dreamed of becoming a factory director. That dream has come true in ways a young Soviet could not have imagined. 100 Young Russians
Maria Kiselyova, sports commentator Maria Kiselyova dedicated sixteen years to her sport and won two gold medals. But at the end of 2000 she decided to quit sports and take a chance as a sports commentator with NTV channel. 100 Young Russians
French in Russian In this issue's language insert, we look at French words that have made their way into Russian. (Link to article downloads PDF of the page.) Language
Events of the Years of the Hijra 1410-1414 An excerpt from Ismailov's novel, Hay ibn Yakzan and the Language of the Bees, originally written in Uzbek. Literature
Moscow Snow An example of the author's "miniature fiction" that juxtaposes nostalgia for the Russian past with stark reflections on the present. Literature
Letters from the Front The packet of 11 letters and 12 postcards reached me from Kharkov, through a combination of fate, serendipity and sheer luck. They were written by my father, Alexander Suchovy, from the front during World War II, and were addressed to his first wife, Varvara, and their son Vasily. Family History War
