EN
Two novels of two prominent representatives of the “new realism” are the subject of an analysis in this article. There are "Sankya" (2006) by Zakhar Prilepin and "The Yeltyshevs" (2009) by Roman Senchin. The article deals with the problem of the degradation of the contemporary Russian village (at the beginning of the 21st century). The village disintegrates under the new economic conditions. "Sankya" about a young rebel is devoted to the theme of the individual’s rights to action against a hostile and unjust society, against the new capitalistic rules. Senchin’s story portrays the demise of the ordinary Russian family that moves to the village. Living in the village, the family sinks into alcoholism and violence. In his novel Senchin shows Russian’s path to a dead-end, to life devoid of any spirituality.