Background
Demin, Mikhail was born in 1926 in Finland, grew up in Moscow. Son of a prominent Soviet Army commander who perished in the Gulag in 1937.
Demin, Mikhail was born in 1926 in Finland, grew up in Moscow. Son of a prominent Soviet Army commander who perished in the Gulag in 1937.
Cousin of the Soviet writer Iurii Trifonov. Became a homeless child. Arrested for theft and spent a few years in the camps as a common criminal.
After serving his term, settled in Siberia. In 1954, published his first poems in the local press. Encouraged by his success, he continued to write, and had his stories published in the national press.
Became a reporter for a number of Moscow Komsomol newspapers. In 1968, allowed to visit Paris to see his relatives. Did not return to the USSR. Married a distant cousin, and remained in Paris writing for the Russian emigre press and contributing to Radio Liberty programmes.
Became an alcoholic and died of a heart attack.