I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 266 Enthusiastic Response, Discerning Criticism, and Letters from Afar
The news that Mikhail will be holding several charity literary readings in London has been reported and advertised in London newspapers a few days ago. While many people are very interested in the event, many others are watching it with rather complicated feelings.

If his previous events targeting high society had already demonstrated his influence to some extent, what about the general public in London? Would he receive the same level of popularity? And what's the point of a foreign writer achieving such success in Britain?
And don't the rest of us in London's cultural scene have any pride?! Or has he really decided to settle in England?
But does this mean that British literature could really be dominated by a foreign writer?
Just thinking about this possibility makes many literary figures in London feel a tightness in their chests, and they sincerely want to say: "What will become of our English literature?"

Some writers have even complained to those around them: "Judging from his attitude, does he really want to stay in England to develop his career? With his talent, he could have become famous in France as well, so why does it have to be England?!"
I sincerely hope he can develop his career in the French cultural sphere. If he does, then I'm willing to admit that French literature, with him involved, might be superior to English literature.

As mentioned before, some people went to the site for the purpose of observation, but most people mainly learned about the specific developments of this charity event through newspapers.

When they finally saw the related report in the newspaper, although they really hoped that the newspaper would report something that would surprise them, there was indeed a surprise, but it was quite different from what they wanted to see.
"The literary reading held last night became the most eye-catching event in the social and literary world this season."

The public enthusiasm generated by this Russian writer's readings far exceeded everyone's expectations.

As early as 6 p.m., audience members began queuing outside the hall, with many waiting in the slightly chilly night air. When entry began at 7 p.m., the scene became chaotic: tickets had sold out long ago, latecomers pleaded with administrators to let them in, and some even offered to buy seats from other audience members at three times the price.
The hall was packed, with even the aisles filled with listeners, many of whom preferred to stand for two hours rather than leave. Applause erupted several times during the recitation; some people excitedly tapped their canes, and one woman fanned herself to calm down from her excitement.

When the event ended, the entrance was as crowded as a theater after a performance, with many audience members vying to shake hands with the author and ask for autographs. Outside the theater, a large number of audience members lingered, reluctant to leave.

Many literary figures who saw this report were like: "?"

Even though we know his recitation events will attract a lot of listeners, how exactly does he manage to be so popular?
Few writers in all of London could enjoy such popularity.
It must be because he spent money!
He donated several sums of money himself and called on more people to donate money for the truly underprivileged. He may have already achieved his goal of buying prestige with money!
How despicable! They'd rather lose money than keep a good reputation!
Aside from the indignation some people feel about this kind of news, the fairy tale that Mikhail recently presented has also attracted the attention of a considerable number of professionals, who have even written articles about it.

Some call this story a perfect fairy tale, with a clear structure, from "disliking children" to "accepting children" and then to "being redeemed by children." The "selfish giant" goes from "selfishness" to "universal love." Although the plot is simple, it has a pure and simple beauty.

Others argue that such a story is too superficial. While it might be acceptable as a fairy tale to evoke public sympathy and raise funds, it shouldn't be given excessive praise.
It is worth mentioning that, regardless of how these critics evaluate such stories, nowadays, almost no one mentions that this Russian writer did not understand the beauty of English and could only write popular stories in crude language.

The ability to create beauty through language, as demonstrated in these two stories, is something few writers in contemporary Britain seem to possess that surpasses.
In addition, those who actually participated in the literary recitation event that day enthusiastically talked about it with their family and friends afterward:

"This is almost the best literary recitation I've ever heard! Especially Mr. Mikhail, his demeanor is hard to describe in words; you can only understand what kind of person he is by seeing him in person."

"My God! He is Sherlock Holmes himself! No wonder he could write such a wonderful detective, because he himself is just as wonderful! Right after he finished reading 'A Study in Scarlet,' amidst our enthusiastic cheers and invitations, he actually randomly selected a few audience members and invited them to the stage. Then he actually told them their professions and some of their habits!"
They could even guess parts of their personalities and hobbies! Even though he repeatedly said it wasn't that magical, nothing special, everyone thought he was being overly modest.

“I shook his hand! He shook hands with many people there, regardless of their status, even those who looked like beggars outside the theater. Although it wasn’t very respectable, I was deeply moved at the time.”

"That was fantastic! His speech was so inspiring that I couldn't help but donate extra money on the spot, and many other people had the same reaction."

Did you ask him about his new work?

"Oh no! I didn't remember anything when I shook hands with him!"

While many in London were discussing this latest literary reading event, Mikhail, who was exhausted from the event, only managed to recover after resting at home for two days.

It can only be said that being a so-called important person is never easy. On the day of the event, Mikhail was constantly talking and dancing, and he also had to use his brain and greet the audience as much as possible. By the end of the night, Mikhail was really exhausted.

It must be said that even Mikhail himself did not expect the audience to be so enthusiastic. What pleased Mikhail even more was that his readers did not do anything out of line when shaking hands with him. On the contrary, they seemed quite flattered and excited, and some even said to Mikhail with great understanding:
"You've worked so hard, please don't rush things. Take care of yourself first. I'll always be waiting for your work."

Sure enough, although these readers might have all wanted Mikhail dead before they met him, once they actually met him, they might all say "Mikhail is awesome!"
Cough
After Mikhail gradually recovered, there were only three or four days left before the latest issue of "Fiction Weekly" was published. While more and more people were focusing their attention on the latest Sherlock Holmes story, many people also noticed something else.

Those were the three novels that Mikhail had highly recommended: Wuthering Heights, Agnes Grey, and Jane Eyre. They were about to be published ahead of schedule. Out of trust in Mikhail and curiosity about these three novels, many readers flocked to bookstores in London on the day the three novels went on sale.

Among them, critic Charles entered the bookstore with an extremely discerning eye and mindset.

As a seasoned critic with considerable influence in London's literary circles, Charles has great confidence in his literary judgment and genuinely believes that evaluating whether a work is good or bad is something only a critic can do.

Because of his concern for his own identity and voice, Charles was stung by the scene before him as soon as he entered the bookstore.

Everyone here is buying new books!

These are works by three new authors!
Normally, unless one has exceptional luck and exceptional talent, or has won the favor of many critics in London early on, a newcomer's work would never receive such treatment.

Moreover, it must be said that most of the works of new writers are not worth reading; each of them still has a long way to go.

But what kind of scene was unfolding before his eyes?

Just because of a young writer's recommendation, more and more people are now gathering around the new writer's work, and occasionally making comments:
"Which one should I buy? Buying all three won't be cheap, I need to choose carefully."

"Didn't Mr. Mikhail say that the easiest to read is 'Jane Eyre,' while the other two might require more time?" "Then I'll buy this one first."

I'm more interested in this book.

Aside from the young author's recommendation, critics haven't even written their reviews of these three books or their recommendations to readers yet. How did they manage to attract so many readers under such uncertainty?
Charles, who had read the three brothers' poetry collection and given it a low rating, found the scene before him even more unacceptable.

The three brothers' poetry collection was rather mediocre, yet the Russian writer showered it with praise. When they suddenly turned to novels, the same Russian writer again showered them with compliments, making it impossible for Charles to accept the other party's professional level.

Let's use this failure to shut him up from now on!
This is not an area he can delve into too much.
With this in mind, Charles bought all three books, intending to write a critique of each one after reading them.

Although Charles felt a pang of regret, in order to make his article well-founded, he eventually paid the money and then hurried home.

After settling down in his study, the first book he picked up was *Jane Eyre*. On the first page, however, he didn't see the author's preface, but only this sentence:

"This book is dedicated to Mr. Mikhail Romanovich Raskolnikov."

I knew it!

After flashing a slightly malicious smile, Charles looked at the beginning of the book: "That day, going for a walk was out of the question."

Although Charles approached the book with a critical eye, he found himself completely engrossed in it as he read.

The heartache of an orphan girl, the suffering of an ordinary-looking governess, and the life of the male head of the household, Rochester.
By the time Charles came to his senses, it was already past midnight, yet he was still savoring this rather wonderful story.

How could a new writer have such a level of skill?
So that Russian writer actually discovered a decent work?

Feeling rather annoyed, Charles decided to go to sleep first and read other works the next day. The next day, when Charles sat down at his desk again, the novel he picked up was "Wuthering Heights".

Compared to the dedication to Jane Eyre, this work's dedication seemed even more fervent. Charles, with somewhat mixed feelings, skimmed over the dedication and quickly began reading the main text:
"In 1801, I had just returned from visiting my landlord."

Just like last time, Charles read the book almost in one sitting. However, unlike the book he savored yesterday, this time...
Charles: "???"

It is crude, dark, and full of malice, with extreme character traits, a lack of moral standards, excessively violent emotions, and bizarre madness.
I actually finished reading this book?!
In that short span of time, Charles had already prepared numerous criticisms of the novel and those who recommended it. However, for some reason, an indescribable sense of power bound Charles to his spot, to the point that he actually began reading certain chapters of the book again.
While critic Charles continued reading, publisher Elliott was already preparing to run to Mikhail to deliver the good news:
"With the help of your influence, in just three or four days, each of their new books has already sold several hundred copies!"

Meanwhile, Elliott's friend Sanders also went with him to Mikhail's house.

However, unlike him, Sanders wanted to discuss the upcoming serialized novel with Mikhail.

On their way to Mikhail's house, the two couldn't help but talk to each other:
"Elliott, I must congratulate you in advance! It seems your publishing house is about to have three more best-selling books!"

"I should be congratulating you! I heard that your 'Fiction Weekly' has gained a staggering several thousand new subscribers. It's unbelievable!"

"This is all thanks to Mr. Mikhail."

"Yes."

After exchanging pleasantries and reflections, the two soon arrived at Mikhail's home. However, to their great surprise, the usually composed and calm Mr. Mikhail was holding a letter and pacing back and forth in the living room while reading it.

What could be so moving to this gentleman?
In any case, Elliott and Sanders stood there obediently, waiting for Mikhail to calm down before speaking.

Once Mikhail had gradually returned to his usual self, Sanders cautiously asked, "Mr. Mikhail, what is this letter about?"

"It is a letter from a Russian general and a young woman."

Mikhail, who really wanted to share his feelings with someone, couldn't help but look at the letter in his hand again, and then revealed an expression that Elliott and Sanders had never seen before:

“A part of my life and a small part of my existence are coming to me.”

(End of this chapter)