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
Once again, Ivan Obolensky has managed to grab his audience in the continuing story of Eye of the Moon, woven around the characters reunited at Rhinebeck. In this sequel, Shadow of the Son, surrounded by the magical culinary gifts of the wonderful Dagmar and the wisdom of Stanley, we explore loyalties, friendship and family ties that test the depths of character of our protagonists. Wonderfully written, it touches on different aspects of human nature in an intuitive manner one can...
Patricia Alireza
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...
Marcela Dutra
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
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
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...
Bruce Newlin
There were so many parts of Shadow of the Son that I truly enjoyed, more than what I'm highlighting here, but I also don't want to spoil the story by saying too much. 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. In the first book, Eye of the Moon, while Percy told the story from his point of view and in that sense the story revealed a lot about...
Lyn Blair
All I want to say is that Ivan Obolensky has done it again with the third installment of Eye of the Moon. When I tell you I couldn't put the book down. It is a must read, but you have to read Eye of the Moon and Shadow of the Son first to get a clear understanding of each of the characters, Johnny and Percy, and what they bring to the story. Reading this one had me on the edge of my seat. It's a gothic mystery/psychological thriller must read. I can't wait to read all three of them again.
Vickie Dorsey
This novel changed my life; it opened my eyes to the world around me, within me, like I could never have imagined.
Amalia Santa Maria
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...
Dr. Patricia Alireza
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