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.

Debut nonfiction book: Mind Truffles: Bite-Sized Insights for Curious People

Ivan curated the best of his blogs and short articles, revising and refining his stories and insights to deliver an extraordinary collection that invites curiosity and inspiration.

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.

Visit Substack Featured Piece: Free Will?

Short-form: Blogs

Before Substack, Ivan published a long-running series of blog posts that many readers still return to and share.

Visit the Blog Archive Featured Piece: Growing Old

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

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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

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'Dark of the Earth' captured my attention right from the start and held it throughout. From the get-go, the story takes off as we discover Johnny was injured during a car accident, was hospitalized and now lies in a coma...His doctor suggests that Percy recount some of their past experiences in hopes of stimulating Johnny's memory and awakening him from the coma. I loved reading about their storied adventures, which added layers of dimension to their character development. In fact, I enjoyed many of these anecdotes as much as the main plot. … Was it an accident or a murder attempt? If a murder attempt, based on what motivation? … Wonderful story, artfully crafted and told. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Anyone who enjoys the allure of a mystery with paranormal undertones will find it hard to resist.

Lyn Blair

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'Dark of the Earth' is a masterful blend of suspense, elegance, and mystery that grips you from the very first page. Author Ivan Obolensky draws you deeper into his world with each chapter. His descriptions are so well-crafted that you can almost feel the chill in the air and taste the complexity of flavors in each serving and the wines. He transports you to a different world while entangling you in a fascinating mystery. It's a book that keeps you wanting it to never end! Highly recommended!

Maria Candelaria Alvarez

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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

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I didn't just like the book, I loved it! It is a page turner with interesting, clever characters and a story line that draws you in like a rare earth magnet. Ivan's imagery, humor and fleshing out of characters make them come alive in my mind. I loved the twists and turns of the plot lines. It is a fabulous read and left me wanting to know more.

Mary Ann Dorman

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Ivan Obolensky has whipped up a storyline in 'Eye of the Moon' that twists and turns the characters in a storm of a journey. We readers are allowed to sit in the eye of that storm quietly peeking into a captivating world few of us have walked through before. In any arena, relationships are the critical factor. The relationship you develop with another individual or group of individuals drives how you exist in this world. Why do you like/respect someone and how does that determine how you interact with them, trust them and are willing to be a part of their world?

Dr. Bruce Newlin

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There were so many parts of 'Shadow of the Son' that I truly enjoyed... First of all, what a brilliant title, 'Shadow of the Son'. The use of 'son' implying its homonym 'sun' was clever, making the title memorable, but beyond that, it carried the theme of the story.

Lyn Blair

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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

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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

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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