L. N. Tolstoy's oeuvre in Vs. S. Soloviev's perception

This article deals with the influence of L.N.Tolstoy's works on Vs.S.Soloviev's literature activities. Using many narra$tive moves and artistic devices from Tolstoy's War and Peace, Soloviev (in his novel 'Old House') models the situa$tions which the reader faces most often in his/her life, and helps orienting therein. Thereby he implements one of ba$sic tasks of «mass fiction». However, Soloviev criticises sharply Tolstoy's religious position reflected in his works for people. Supplement Besedy (Talks) to journal Sever (North) states general requirements to be met by books for people.