The Coronation (Russian: Коронация, или Последний из романов; literal translation: “Coronation, or the Last of the Novels”) is a historical detective novel by Russian writer Boris Akunin, first published in 2000 by Zakharov. It is the seventh installment in Akunin’s Erast Fandorin series and was released in English translation in February 2009.
Bibliographic Details
- Author: Boris Akunin (pseudonym of Grigory Chkhartishvili)
- Original language: Russian
- Original title: Коронация, или Последний из романов
- Series: Erast Fandorin (book 7)
- Genre: Historical detective / mystery
- Publisher (original): Zakharov
- Publication date: 2000 (Russia)
- Pages: 349 (hardback edition)
- ISBN: 5‑8159‑0059‑1
- English publisher: Grove Atlantic (2009)
Setting and Context
The narrative is set in Moscow in 1896, during the period surrounding the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II (the coronation festivities occurred between 6 May and 20 May O.S.). The novel incorporates the real‑life Khodynka Tragedy of 18 May 1896, in which a massive crowd stampede during the coronation celebrations resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths.
Plot Overview
The story is narrated by Afanasi Ziukin, the majordomo of Grand Duke George Alexandrovich. Erast Fandorin, the series’ recurring detective, investigates the kidnapping of Grand Duke Mikhail, the four‑year‑old son of George Alexandrovich. The abduction is orchestrated by the criminal mastermind known as “Doctor Lind,” who demands the Orlov diamond—a prominent gemstone set in the royal scepter and intended for use in the coronation—as ransom. The novel interweaves the investigation with depictions of court intrigue, the political dynamics of the Romanov family, and the broader social atmosphere of late‑imperial Russia.
Title Interpretation
The Russian title literally reads “Coronation, or the Last of the Novels,” with the final word rendered in a non‑standard form. The intended meaning, clarified by a character’s mis‑translation at the novel’s conclusion, is “Coronation, or the Last of the Romanovs.” The English title simplifies this to The Coronation.
Reception and Awards
- Russian Anti‑Booker Prize (2000): The Coronation received the prize for prose.
- Critical commentary: Many Russian readers regard the novel as one of Akunin’s best works, citing its atmospheric portrayal of the period and its integration of historical events.
- Controversy: Members of the Russian Orthodox Church criticized the novel for its portrayal of certain Romanov family members, particularly the depiction of Grand Duke Simeon Alexandrovich as homosexual.
Literary Significance
The Coronation continues Akunin’s blend of meticulously researched historical settings with classic detective storytelling. By situating a fictional mystery within a well‑documented moment of Russian history, the novel exemplifies the “high‑society detective” subgenre (великосветский детектив) for which Akunin is known.
Related Works
- Preceded by: The State Counsellor (2000) – the sixth Erast Fandorin novel.
- Followed by: She Lover of Death (2001) – the eighth novel in the series.
Publication History
The novel was initially released in Russian in 2000 and later translated into multiple languages, including English (2009), German (Die Entführung des Großfürsten), and others. The English edition was published by Grove Atlantic and retains the original title.