Writer Dmitry Bykov (included in the Russian Federation in register of foreign agents) commented on the cessation of publication of his books by the AST publishing house. According to him, the publishing house did not warn him about this, but he still feels gratitude to his partners.
"It continued to publish me for two years after leaving, – Bykov told RBC. – Usually – at least in the USSR – they stopped printing emigrants immediately.”
The writer noted that what happened did not surprise him, and also that the situation would not affect his financial stability, because he “never lived on book royalties, earning money through journalism and teaching.” .
Bykov also expressed confidence that people will not stop reading his books. He gave the example of «forbidden» writers of the past, whose books were still available to citizens. “It is impossible to ban a book,” – Bykov summarized.