The Life Story and Secret Prison Diaries of Putin’s Most Feared Opponent
Alexei Navalny’s poisoning in 2020 by the Russian security services was a global news event. In 2024 he died in a brutal Arctic prison. He began writing Patriot whilst recovering from his poisoning; it ends with his secret prison diaries.
He was a beacon to millions and became the sole political threat to Vladimir Putin. This is his life in his own words: his political awakening, his marriage and beloved family, his total commitment to taking on a corrupt regime and his enduring love of Russia and its people.
We witness his message of hope gain nationwide support, his many arrests and harassment, and the incredible attempt on his life. We understand why he felt he had to return to Russia. In prison, we feel the power of his unbreakable spirit and sense of humour.
Patriot is as dramatic as Navalny’s life – and full of the passionate belief that good and freedom will prevail. It is an astonishingly positive account of a heroic life.
Published: 2025
Pages: 496
Genre: Political Biography
Amazon Rating 4.8/5 from 3,000 reviews
Our review in brief:
| 1. Rating: 7.3 out of 10 - |
| 2. Recommended: Most people said they would recommend the book to people that had an interest in politics. |
| 3. Audience: The book may appeal to readers of all ages and suit both men and women. |
| 4. Strengths: It is an important record of the political situation in Russia in recent times. It confirmed everything we suspected about the Russian political system. It raised interesting questions about Navalny's decision to return to Russia and almost certain death. Was this admirable or irresponsible? Could he have had more impact by staying outside of Russia? |
| 5. Weaknesses: The ending did not feel complete. Although it naturally stopped when Navalny died, a final section (written by say his wife) explaining his death, would have made the book feel more balanced. There was a lack of information on how the parts of the book written in prison were smuggled out. |
| 6. Other observations: -The book had two halves: i) Navalny's early life and how he became involved in politics ii) his time in prison. The "time in prison" was in places drawn out but it gave a good insight into his feeling and the treatment of dissidents in Russia. -As this was a translation it is difficult to know what was embellished. |
| The final question discussed was - Will we remember the book in a few years? |