Abstract
This article re-interprets Eduard Limonov’s first novel Eto ja – Edichka (1976) in the theoretical framework provided by recent studies on autobiography and namely drawing on the notion of autofiction. Focusing on the convoluted relationship between the author and his narrative persona Edichka with reference to literary devices such as abrupt shifts into third-person narration and disruption of chronological linearity, Limonov’s tendency to self-fictionalisation as a hero will be analysed. This creative strategy will paradoxically affect his best-known biographer, Emmanuel Carrère, who with Limonov (2011) will definitely assume the ongoing identification of the author with his hero as a matter of fact and provide the Western audience with a mere (yet well-written and highly enjoyable) retelling of Limonov’s novels.