The comprehension of the artistic uniqueness of V. Tokareva's work in Russian literary criticism

The subject of this article is the diverse approaches of scholars to the study of V. Tokareva's creativity, ranging from stylistic peculiarities to sociocultural factors influencing the formation of an individual-author picture of the world. The article employs historical and comparative-typological approaches used to analyze articles and dissertation works. The research material consists of scientific articles and dissertations written in the 2010s and later. The practical significance of the research lies in the possibility of using its main provisions, materials, and aspects in the development of courses on the history of Russian criticism in the 21st century, as well as in scientific research dedicated to V. Tokareva's creativity. Contemporary women’s prose, particularly the works of Victoria Tokareva, has attracted heightened interest from literary critics and has received high praise. A key direction in researching her work has been the detailed development of themes related to family relationships, love, and personal happiness, presented from a feminine perspective. The analysis of the conceptual sphere allows for a deeper understanding of the author's reflections on the life experiences of modern women and their views on achieving personal happiness. Despite the absence of a clearly defined happy ending, female characters demonstrate a persistent desire to improve their lives, which reflects the writer's positive attitude and optimism. Critics also particularly highlight the original stylistic features of her stories, the unique authorial voice, and the ability to incorporate elements referencing classic works of domestic literature, especially those of A. P. Chekhov. The conducted literary analysis has provided a profound illumination of contemporary women's issues and the aesthetic principles of V. Tokareva's work, creating a solid foundation for further research and a comprehensive view of her creativity.