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Patriot

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Patriot

By: Alexei Navalny, Arch Tait, Stephen Dalziel
Narrated by: Matthew Goode
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Patriot is the exhilarating life story of one of the most fearless and inspiring figures of our time, who became a beacon to millions and the sole political threat to Vladimir Putin.

This is Alexei Navalny’s life in his own words: his Soviet childhood, 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. His 2020 poisoning by the Russian security services was a global news event. In 2024 he died in a brutal Siberian prison. He began writing Patriot whilst recovering from his poisoning; it ends with his prison diaries, seen here for the first time.

We witness the growth of his nationwide support. We see his many arrests and harassment and, in stunning detail, the attempt on his life. We understand why he felt he had to return to Russia. In prison, he shows a spirit and a sense of humour that cannot be crushed.

Patriot is as dramatic as its author’s life –passionate that good and freedom will prevail.It is Alexei Navalny’s final letter to the world, a rousing call to continue his work, an unforgettably positive account of a life that will inspire every listener.

'Mind-blowing ... one extraordinary read' EMILY MAITLIS

'The greatest political figure of his generation' OBSERVER

'Part memoir, part diary, a political manifesto, a darkly funny adieu' BEN MACINTYRE

©2024 Alexei Navalny (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Activists Best of 2024 Editors Select Freedom & Security Politicians Politics & Government Russian & Soviet

Critic Reviews

Charisma and courage still dazzle on every page. His voice is so vivid – fearless, playful, funny, clear-eyed – that while reading Patriot I kept finding myself forgetting he was dead (Decca Aitkenhead)
Extraordinary ... The late Russian activist’s memoir is an insightful, sharp, and even humorous account of fight against Putin’s regime – and a warning to the world … A brave and brilliant book (Luke Harding)
Funny, fiery, reflective and tragic, laced with Navalny’s trademark wry humour and idealism (Alexandra Alter)
Inspiring, emboldening – a voice that will not be forgotten (David Remnick)

What listeners say about Patriot

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Best memoir I’ve read

‘Patriot' is the best memoir I've read (or in this case listened to). Maybe I don't read enough books, but this one is a real cracker! Despite its often dark subject matter, Navalny's personality jumps off the page. He's playful, witty, insightful and often laugh-out-loud funny. He starts by describing his novichok poisoning, but then backs up to cover his early life in the Soviet era, his gradual political awakening and the evolution of his movement to tackle the inherent corruption of crony capitalism. The last part of the book is his prison diaries. Charismatic, defiant and courageous to the end, his writing is down to earth and totally engaging even when writing about the minutiae of life in prison. There's much biting sarcasm at the expense of Putin, Russian oligarchs, the FSB and dim-witted prison officers, but he's also reflective and often pokes fun at himself. As others have said - a dazzling book. Exceptionally well narrated too.

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A must to listen to

Really interesting, sad, infuriating, unbelivable true story that sometimes make you smile. Can't recommend it enough.

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Dedicated to Russia

Well read and written. A tragedy and waste of someone exposing and rooting out corruption in Russia.

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Outstanding! A must listen

This book is the must listen book for 2024. A great insight into Russian culture.

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Galvanising

The most bracing and inspiring book I have ever read, and, in all likelihood, will ever read.

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Modern day hero

Given the content this book is surprisingly entertaining - it does not get bogged down in political rhetoric but rather speaks of the life of the man. I always wondered why he went back after the poisoning and now I know; he loved his country. The title therefore is appropriate and accurate. What a man, what a hero and what sacrifice. Recommended listening.

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Very well translated

It's great that this memoir was released so that the world can learn about Navalny, one of the heroes of our time!

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His life story

He never gave up trying to change a massive corrupt system in Russia he never gave up hope and loved his country

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Navalny - The conviction of his beliefs

This book has left me a bit.....speechless? On one hand I admire Navalny's strong convictions, his dream for Russia and sadness at his death at such a young age. On the other hand, I think Putin is / was "The Bear" who, following Yeltsin, may have been the only man to re-establish order in Russia. I shudder to think what state Russia and the world would be in today, had Putin not regained order (excluding the current war with Ukraine) I don't think Navalny would have been an effectively strong enough leader to reshape the Russia he describes, particularly in regard to his depictions of systemic corruption throughout every level of Russian life. Yet I admit, I really dont know enough about daily life in Russia to comment on 'who's right' and what ought to be done. But as with most "workers" the dream of better, of equity, of a fair share of profits for our labours, of freedom of speech...yes, we all want those things, we all aspire to the hope for the future.
This book is well worth a listen, make up your own mind.

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