Vladimir Sorokin is a contemporary Russian writer and playwright, known for his avant-garde and often controversial works. Born on August 7, 1955, in Bykovo, Moscow Oblast, Soviet Union, he initially trained as an engineer but soon turned to writing. Sorokin's prose frequently incorporates elements of surrealism, satirical science fiction, and parody, employing a diverse array of styles and genres to critique modern Russian society and politics. His early work was underground and circulated in samizdat form during the Soviet era. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Sorokin gained international recognition, his books have been translated into numerous languages. Some of his notable books include "The Queue" (1985), "Day of the Oprichnik" (2006), and "Ice Trilogy" (2002-2005). He has been both celebrated for his literary innovation and criticized for his often graphic and provocative content, making him a polarizing figure in the world of contemporary literature.