The Wanderers (Shishkov novel)

The Wanderers (Russian: Емельян Пугачёв, Emel'yan Pugachev) is a historical novel in three volumes by Russian Soviet writer Vyacheslav Shishkov, published between 1938 and 1945. The novel deals with the Pugachev Rebellion, a large-scale peasant revolt that took place in Russia during the reign of Catherine the Great from 1773 to 1775.

Shishkov's The Wanderers presents a fictionalized account of the uprising, focusing on the figure of Emelyan Pugachev, who claimed to be the assassinated Tsar Peter III and led the rebellion. The novel explores the social and political conditions that led to the revolt, depicting the hardships and oppression suffered by the peasantry and the Cossacks. It also portrays the brutality and violence of the conflict, from both the rebel and government sides.

The narrative follows a diverse cast of characters caught up in the turmoil of the rebellion, including peasants, Cossacks, merchants, landowners, and government officials. Through these characters, Shishkov explores the complex motivations and loyalties involved in the uprising. The novel is known for its vivid depictions of Russian life in the 18th century and its epic scope.

While considered a major work of Soviet literature, The Wanderers has been subject to criticism for its portrayal of the rebellion from a Soviet perspective. Critics have noted that the novel tends to glorify the peasant uprising and downplay the violence and excesses committed by the rebels. Nevertheless, it remains a significant and influential work of historical fiction in Russian literature.

The Russian title of the work, Emel'yan Pugachev, directly identifies the central figure of the historical event. The English title, The Wanderers, likely refers to the roaming and unsettled nature of the rebels and their movement across the Russian landscape.