Theatricality in the postmodern novel “Quest” by B. Akunin

The article examines postmodern properties of the detective novel “Quest” by B. Akunin such as “epistemological and ontological doubt” in the view of world and the openness of the narrative. The aspects of theatricalization in the text of the novel are analyzed: the world order of masquerade, the theatricality of episodes, theatrical allusions, etc. The article demonstrates functioning of the game between author and reader in this novel, which serves a great example of Akunin’s literary game strategy. It also confirms that the theatricalization in this novel is in association with postmodern aesthetics and a important aspect in the poetics of “Quest”.