Nicolai Lilin Russian writer living in Italy Country: Italy

Biography of Nicolai Lilin

Nicolai Lilin was born in 1980 in Transnistria, a region in Eastern Europe. He is a Russian writer who currently resides in Italy. Lilin considers himself to be a descendant of "honest thieves," referring to his ancestors who were Siberian prisoners. His childhood in Transnistria, where his ancestors were relocated from Siberia during Stalin's era, is the subject of his book "Siberian Education" (in Italian, "Educazione siberiana").

Lilin's book has been translated into multiple languages and has gained significant popularity in Europe, becoming a literary sensation. It has also been adapted into a film by Italian director Gabriele Salvatores, with John Malkovich in the lead role. However, "Siberian Education" did not gain much popularity in Russia. The book explores the lives and customs of thieves-in-law, whom Lilin refers to as "honest thieves." These are not just ordinary criminals but a clan of "noble criminals" who live by a moral code and despise any kind of authority.

Lilin's storytelling style is straightforward and vivid, painting a harsh picture of his childhood, which included crimes committed as a young delinquent, the horrors of prison life, and the violence that became normalized. While in prison, Lilin learned the art of tattooing, which became his means of livelihood before he became a successful author.

In "Siberian Education," Lilin delves into the interpretations and meanings of Russian criminal tattoos, a topic that is considered somewhat sacred and known only to those involved in the criminal world. By revealing these secrets, Lilin has touched on sensitive territory. It is rumored that Lilin has received threats from the Russian mafia, fearing for his life due to his revelations in his book.

Little is known about Lilin's personal life, but according to some sources, he holds Italian citizenship and is married to an Italian woman with whom he has a young daughter. Besides his literary career, Lilin served for three years in the Russian Airborne Troops during the Chechen conflicts. In fact, his experiences during the war became the subject of his next book.

Despite Lilin's success as a bestselling author in the Western world, his works have received mixed reviews in Russia. Many sources question the authenticity of the information presented in his books, including his service in Chechnya and the existence of the criminal clan he claims to be a part of. The autobiographical nature of his books is the most controversial aspect. Nevertheless, Lilin continues to thrive as a writer in today's literary landscape.