Martha the Townswoman

The novel by the famous writer, ethnographer, and connoisseur of folk life Dmitry Balashov “Martha the Townswoman” is dedicated to one of the turning points in Russian history — the annexation of Novgorod to the Grand Duchy of Moscow. In his work, the author managed to show how the spiritual and social atmosphere in Russia changed during the brutal civil conflict of 1471-1478.
15th century. The rapidly developing Duchy of Moscow is increasing its influence, actively uniting Russian lands around itself. At this time, the freedom-loving Novgorod decides to come closer to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. One of the main supporters of this union and an informal leader of the opposition to Moscow becomes the townswoman Martha Boretskaya. Simple Novgorodians, suffering from taxes and the absence of “righteous judgment”, have mixed feelings about the idea of rapprochement with Lithuania, but they become hostages to the ambitions of the boyar and merchant elite. The pages of the book unfold a wide panorama of events happening in the life of the city and its surroundings. The reader gets acquainted with representatives of various strata of Novgorod society, hears their debates about faith, duty, family, and the state. While telling the dramatic story of the conquest of Novgorod by the Grand Duke of Moscow Ivan III, the author does not hide his sincere admiration for the inner independence of the Novgorodians, their spiritual resilience and sense of dignity. The main character of the novel — Martha the Townswoman — appears before us as an incredibly strong, extraordinary personality.