History of The Wizard of the Kremlin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 15, 2026

Giuliano da Empoli's debut novel, "The Wizard of the Kremlin," explores the inner workings of Russian power through the eyes of Vadim Baranov, a former media producer who becomes a key advisor to President Vladimir Putin. The book delves into the strategies and manipulations used to maintain control, offering a fictionalized yet insightful look into the Kremlin's political machinations and the nature of authoritarianism in contemporary Russia. It won the 2022 Grand prix du roman de l'Académie française and was a finalist for the Prix Goncourt.

1999: Baranov's contribution to Putin's political rise

From 1999, Vadim Baranov contributes to the political rise of Vladimir Putin, who is referred to as "the Tsar" in the book.

2000: Putin's response to authority demand

In 2000, advised by Baranov, "the Tsar" responds to the demand for authority during historical events such as the presidential election.

2002: Moscow theater hostage crisis

In 2002, advised by Baranov, "the Tsar" responds to the demand for authority during historical events such as the hostage-taking of the Moscow theater.

2003: Khodorkovsky's Arrest

In 2003, Mikhail Khodorkovsky is arrested for fraud, which is consistent with historical reality.

2004: Orange Revolution

In 2004, advised by Baranov, "the Tsar" responds to the demand for authority during historical events such as the Orange Revolution.

January 2021: Manuscript submission of "The Wizard of the Kremlin"

In January 2021, Giuliano da Empoli submitted the manuscript for "The Wizard of the Kremlin".

April 2022: Publication of "The Wizard of the Kremlin" delayed until April 2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the publication of "The Wizard of the Kremlin" was delayed and finally published in April 2022, less than two months after the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

April 2022: Publication of "The Wizard of the Kremlin" in French

In April 2022, Giuliano da Empoli's debut novel, "The Wizard of the Kremlin", was published in French by Éditions Gallimard.

2022: Awards for "The Wizard of the Kremlin"

In 2022, "The Wizard of the Kremlin" received the Grand prix du roman de l'Académie française and also won the 2022 Prix Honoré de Balzac.

2023: Publication of "The Wizard of the Kremlin" in English

In 2023, Giuliano da Empoli's debut novel, "The Wizard of the Kremlin", was published in English by Other Press.

January 2026: Theatrical release of film adaptation

In January 2026, the film adaptation of "The Wizard of the Kremlin" is released theatrically, directed by Olivier Assayas, starring Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, and Jude Law.