Available in multiple languages, including the original Russian and translated editions, on platforms like Amazon .

The novel employs a dual-timeline structure, alternating between two protagonists separated by centuries but united by a singular, ruthless pursuit of perfection:

The historical founder of the Order of Assassins (the Hashshashin). The narrative follows his rise to power in the mountain fortress of Alamut, depicting his radical religious doctrine and the absolute, terrifying discipline he imposes on his followers. Key Themes

A brilliant but detached plastic surgeon. He views human bodies not as living beings, but as raw material to be molded into a "perfect" beauty that he believes only he can define. His surgical prowess is described with a cold, almost religious intensity.

Academic analysis suggests the novel reflects on the "death drive," where extreme violence—whether the surgeon's scalpel or the assassin's blade—is used as a tool to establish a new, idealized order. Literary Style

Marina Stepnova’s debut novel, The Surgeon ( Khirurg ), is a dense, multi-layered meditation on the intersection of . It is often overshadowed by her later success, The Women of Lazarus , but it remains a profound example of modern Russian prose that blends historical epic with psychological thriller. Core Narrative & Structure

You can find various editions of Khirurg through major retailers and literary platforms: