Russia through Danish writers’ view (Karin and Sophus Michaelis)

For the first time in Russian literary criticism the explanation of «Russian life» in the books by Danish writers Karin Michaelis (1872-1950) and Sophus Michaelis (1865-1932) is reviewed. The emphasis is made on the perception of «Russian myths» and reminiscence of Russian literature in the books by Karin Michaelis (stories «Russkij» [Russian], «Ivanova noch» [Midsummer Night] and the novel «Kniga o lyubvi» [Book of love]) created in the early twentieth century, and on reproduction of Russian history realities in the books by Sophus Michaelis (on the example of the novel about the war of 1812 «Vechny son» [Eternal sleep]). The author concludes that in connection with Russia the theme of self-deception, which was so important for European literature at the turn of the centuries, appears in the books by both writers.