Sport narratives and provincial urban space in Russian contemporary literature

Abstract

This article investigates the interplay between sport and provincial urban space in  contemporary Russian prose, focusing on works by Roman Senchin, Dmitrii  Danilov, and Alisa Ganieva from the 2010s. The study examines the  representation of Soviet-era sport in narratives set in modern provincial towns,  highlighting how these sport narratives serve as a medium to explore various  forms and aspects of nostalgia within the urban context. The research delves into  the multifaceted relationship between sport and the city, considering personal  memories, local cultural phenomena, and broader societal and national levels. This multi-scalar approach provides new perspectives and analytical tools for  rethinking provincial spaces and conceptualizing nostalgia. The retrospective  portrayal of sport in provincial settings is linked to broader societal and cultural  issues, while also resonating with deeply personal experiences. This double  exposure enhances our understanding of the role of provincial towns in contemporary Russian literature.