Nonfiction
Essays, articles, and posts on culture, history, beliefs, and the many ways people make sense of the world.
Besides his novels, Ivan Obolensky has spent years writing nonfiction that readers describe as both an ongoing education and a quiet pleasure.
Here you’ll find a curated pathway into his essays, blogs, articles, and Substack posts — explorations of culture, history, the social sciences, philosophy, and myth, written in clear, story-rich prose.
Long-form: Substack Writings
For ongoing writings, deep dives, and new explorations, Ivan offers his perspective on culture, history, the social sciences, philosophy, myth, and how people make sense of the world.
Short-form: Blogs
Before Substack, Ivan published a long-running series of blog posts that many readers still return to and share.
Selected Reviews
“Thanks and congratulations to Ivan for these great articles… I not only enjoy them, but I gladly pass them along… I also often present them to my students…”
— Georgette Blanchard
“He can take the most esoteric subject and not only make it interesting – but understandable…”
— Suzanne Houchin
“What sets Ivan’s writing apart from the rest is that he consistently draws abundant details into his work in a gracious way…”
— Rebecca Price
Reviews from our Readers
Well, all I am able say at the moment is: Ivan has done it again!!! 3 days ago, as I began reading 'Dark of the Earth', it was a matter of minutes before projects were cast aside, phone calls and emails went ignored, meals became simplified and there I was, hopelessly spellbound, captivated by the words in Ivan's new book. I was in a daze, helplessly catapulted back to Rhinebeck. I know I am not alone among Ivan's many readers in this sentiment: I can hardly wait for what's coming next. Fiction, nonfiction, short stories, podcasts, the series, movies, whatever comes—we can hardly control our enthusiasm for what you have in store for us.
Andrea Guiardino
Ivan Obolensky has done it again! His latest book, 'Dark of the Earth', is a real treat, combining humor, great storytelling, mystery and suspense. The author's easy style masterfully transports the reader to the elegant Rhinebeck world and its intriguing characters. The plot never ceases to surprise, keeping the reader glued to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I am very much looking forward to Ivan's next work!
Geert Criel
Loved it! World of finance meets Egyptology, in a modern-day Agatha Christie setting. Great twists and unexpected revelations. I want more! The house itself was a character and I want to know its next adventure.
Ann Marie
This is another beautifully crafted journey back to Rhinebeck, with all of its larger-than-life personalities. I wasn't sure what to expect with this latest book, but I was not disappointed. I always enjoy Dagmar's magical creations, tailored for the circumstances of the day. A dinner there would be a bucket list item. But to be a fly on the wall, courtesy of Ivan's fine writing, satisfied the taste buds. She, and the "ghostly" efficient Stanley, make a formidable team—two of my favorites!
Art Watanabe
It was a real pleasure to reconnect with Percy, Johnny and the other colorful characters of the previous volumes in this new highly entertaining novel, that brings us back into the rarefied circles of high society. After Johnny is severely injured in a car crash, Percy reminisces about some of their childhood and youth's antics, which makes for some delightful, sometimes hilarious, anecdotes.
Hélène Laurendeau
I have spent over 40 years in leadership positions in organizations and teaching leadership at the university level. It is critical that people understand that relationships are the most critical element that people have to understand if the organization is going to be successful. Likewise, relationships within a family are as critical as relationships in an organization and Ivan Obolensky, in his most recent book, makes that obvious as the personal relationships, laid out, are what make this book thought-provoking.
Bruce Newlin
Obolensky has woven a fascinating and enchanting web with his novel 'Eye of the Moon'. An intellectual rollercoaster ride, it took me to another place in time, and is a breath of fresh air in today's world where we sometimes forget the art of conversation and the importance of forgiveness and love. It has something for everyone, and I will certainly be reading it again and again to catch the subtle nuances, and relive the surprises that come throughout the story!
Vanessa Richardson
Ivan Obolensky has once again crafted a page-turning masterpiece with his latest book, 'Shadow of the Son' — the sequel to his earlier work, 'Eye of the Moon'. Despite several years since reading the original novel, I found myself quickly re-immersed in the world of twists and turns that Obolensky has created. 'Shadow of the Son' delves into the hidden secrets of lovers, exploring the nuances of human nature and the mistakes that we make. Obolensky's insights on topics such as friendships and forgiveness are both suspenseful and heartfelt.
Jennifer Nguyen
I enjoyed 'Eye of the Moon' immensely and hope Obolensky intends to give us a sequel. The style reminded me of the Victorian and early 20th century books that I love so much. The description of the setting was so well done, I could really picture that old place in my mind. I like to be able to follow characters as they move around! The characters themselves I found to be totally satisfying, who first appear to be stereotypical and evolve into complex and profound personalities, reacting in unusual though entirely credible ways.
Marcela Dutra
'Eye of the Moon' is an engaging and entertaining read. In it, the reader is taken on a journey in which the storyline, and each of the characters, are built around a web of mystery, intrigue, betrayal, and suspense. Based on a wonderful country estate, one is guided by the two main characters through an investigation of the family's secrets, which include magic and the occult, financial trouble, and secret relationships. Detailed descriptions of the fabulous meals and wines served throughout the story make it a delightful journey through the various surprises that we encounter at each turn.
Dr. Patricia Alireza