Novelist Turgenev WSJ Crossword Clue

Think of a common Russian first name that might accompany a tale of old Russia.

???? is a common male given name in Russia, equivalent to 'John' in English.

The clue refers to ???? Turgenev, a well-known Russian novelist and playwright, famous for works like 'Fathers and Sons.' The answer is simply his first name, which is often used in crossword puzzles due to its brevity and commonality.

Anora's husband in "Anora", Denisovich or Ilyich of Russian literature, “The Brothers Karamazov” brother, ___ Bunin, 1933 Literature Nobelist from Russia, “Stripes” director Reitman