Nicole Kidman’s Deep Fascination with Russian Literature
The Hollywood star and actress Nicole Kidman recently shared her profound admiration for Russian literature. During an appearance on the podcast Las Culturistas, she recalled a 2018 journey to St. Petersburg, where she explored locations tied to the works of iconic Russian authors.
'I grew up reading Russian literature and was literally obsessed with Russians. How did I get into it? Just through one of those lists of a hundred books you have to read. I started with Dostoevsky, then moved on to Tolstoy, and I just couldn’t stop.' Nicole Kidman
The actress also described her impressions of St. Petersburg: 'I even went to St. Petersburg and saw all the places around which Tolstoy built War and Peace. They showed me where Prince Andrei was, and all that. And I think that’s how my first artistic foundation was formed—Russian literature. And then I moved on to the Brontës.'
It is worth noting that Kidman did not mention Russia’s war in Ukraine during her remarks, a omission that may draw criticism given the ongoing conflict.
Personal Changes and Recognition
In 2024, Kidman experienced a significant personal loss with the death of her mother, a milestone that prompted her to pursue a new career path as a death doula. In 2025, Time magazine named her Woman of the Year, underscoring her cultural influence. This information was originally reported by the publication Glavcom.
Kidman’s reflections on Russian literature highlight her deep engagement with culture and the arts. However, the absence of any reference to the war in Ukraine may provoke criticism from those who believe such topics should be addressed. This situation underscores the complexity of cultural connections amid modern political realities and the need for sensitivity when discussing cultural themes in the context of global conflicts. At the same time, the actress’s personal transformations—such as losing her mother and embracing a new professional direction—demonstrate her resilience and openness to change.
As Kidman navigates her evolving career, her recent experiences reflect a profound transformation in her life. Following her mother's passing, she has embraced a new role that deeply connects with her personal journey. To learn more about how this loss has influenced her new path as a death doula, click here.