Talk to Nikolay Kudryashov and you will soon realize that the conversation is peppered with names of authors and books from around the world. Whether it’s a quote from an O Henry story that describes how to lead a full life, or Dostoevsky’s definition of money (it’s “printed freedom” by the way), Nikolay’s in-depth familiarity with the world of literature adds a whole new dimension this corporate communications and television production expert.
“When I have time, I like to read. One may possess a great deal of knowledge and experience, one might have travelled all over the world…but there are very many other people who have experienced things you never have and never will. You may never get a chance to meet these people and speak to them. Books are like windows – they to
When it comes to favourites, Nikolay is fairly clear. While there are too many authors to choose from, it is the short story form that appeals to him the most. “It’s like making a TV report. A five-minute story is easier than a two-minute one. It’s much harder to make the latter – you have to say everything you would in five minutes, but you have less time. So you need to process the same ideas in a more vivid manner, and communicate the essence of your story,” explains Nikolay. He points out that every country has its own master of the short tale form. “In Japan, it is Ryūnosuke Akutagawa; in the US, O Henry; and in Russia, it is Anton Chekhov,” says Nikolay, who is eager to continually expand his literary horizons by picking up short stories from different parts of the world.o are a form of communication, a source of ideas. Why narrow your window of knowledge and opportunities?” says Nikolay.