I don't want to deal with big, grand themes in my stories; art has nothing to do with themes. When you deal with themes, you are not creating; you are lecturing.

People know that I am a very good author. But they would rather read what I have to say about the next election.

I don't think people are fools, and I think they deserve a good attitude and smart entertainment.

I have enough energy to insist on saying what I think.

In Russia, people suffer from the stillness of time.

Already the writers are complaining that there is too much freedom. They need some pressure. The worse your daily life, the better your art. If you have to be careful because of oppression and censorship, this pressure produces diamonds.

If you have to be careful because of oppression and censorship, this pressure produces diamonds.