Alexei Navalny was an opposition leader in Russia under Putin's government. He was poisoned (and survived!) but then imprisoned, and died in a Siberian prison in 2024 under what some say are mysterious circumstances. This memoir was published posthumously.
It's a memoir that begins very well with an engaging account of his childhood under USSR rule, but towards the end is an accumulation of his prison diaries and social media posts. It begins powerfully with his almost death by poisoning and his lengthy recovery in Germany. During his recovery, he finished the first two sections of this memoir. During the three years that follow, we learn of his increasing trials and transfers to increasingly strict prisons, which eventually end in his incarceration in Siberia. We learn of his health struggles and his 24 day (yes over three week long) hunger strike.
I think that this book is a powerful must read in the current political climate. In fact, I purchased it after the recent election here in the United States. Even in its "mish mashed" state, it is a powerful testament as to the strength of one man. I found it to be inspirational - he stuck to his belief system and led in spite of facing perhaps the most terrible thing that people could think of - a Siberian prison and a Russian dictator. He speaks in what I would describe as typical Eastern European tones - very direct, very to the point and somewhat rushed, so please don't expect flowery language. Sometimes it took a little bit for me to get through that because it's not my most favorite form of writing but it was still really effective.
Definitely a must read.
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