Belarusian exile author Sasha Filipenko explores widespread societal indifference to the war in Ukraine through his latest allegorical novel, Slon (The Elephant), published in translation by Odeon. According to the author, the work addresses how populations learn to ignore massive, ongoing crises in plain sight, much like an actual elephant standing in the middle of a room.
The Metaphor of the Elephant in Contemporary Society
In Slon, Filipenko places a massive, living elephant inside a Moscow living room where a family eats breakfast while servants serve food, echoing the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. According to the narrative, the animal was originally expected to stay for three days—the timeframe Russian President Vladimir Putin anticipated for capturing Kyiv—before stretching into a permanent fixture. Filipenko stated at the Václav Havel Library in Prague last month that he began writing the book a few months into the war when it became apparent that Russian society was acting as though no conflict existed. The author notes that while tens of thousands of Russians protested early on, they represented less than one percent of a population in a country where over 140 million people live.
Did you know? Sasha Filipenko previously worked as a scriptwriter for Russia’s First Channel in the early 2000s and studied philology at Saint Petersburg State University before moving into exile.
Literary Form and the Controversy Surrounding Collective Indifference
The novel combines a central love story between a stand-up comedian and a prominent writer’s daughter with experimental literary forms, including crosswords, social media threads, and fictional Ministry of Interior reports. Filipenko explained in Prague that he deliberately used these varied formats to demonstrate how people interpret the same text differently. However, the author’s public assertions regarding societal apathy have drawn sharp criticism from Russian liberal media outlets. Critics argue that his premise applies collective guilt and overlooks the bravery of Russians who have protested or emigrated. Defending his work, Filipenko maintains that despite individual acts of resistance, the overwhelming majority of the population continues to behave as though nothing is happening, even amid rising retaliatory drone strikes.
Personal Exile and Legal Fallout in Belarus
Filipenko lives in exile following the violent suppression of mass protests against the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus. According to the author, Belarusian secret police targeted his father in Minsk, torturing him with electric shocks in an unsuccessful attempt to force a video condemning his son’s political activities. Filipenko faces criminal charges in Belarus for alleged extremism and fascism tied to his writings, carrying a potential twelve-year prison sentence. Slon is officially banned in Belarus, making it illegal to sell, own, or quote the text. Despite these restrictions, the novel has found a ready audience among many Belarusians currently living in exile, with the initial print run in Warsaw selling out within a short period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core premise of Sasha Filipenko’s novel Slon?
The novel uses the idiom of an “elephant in the room” to satirize how Russian society largely ignores the ongoing war in Ukraine, portraying an actual elephant standing inside homes, streets, and public spaces.
Why is Sasha Filipenko facing legal action in Belarus?
Filipenko faces charges of extremism and fascism in Belarus, carrying up to 12 years in prison, primarily due to his critical writings and the publication of Slon, which is banned in the country.
How has the book been received by readers in exile?
Exiled Belarusians have strongly embraced the work; for instance, the entire initial print run in Warsaw sold out rapidly.
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