Alexei Navalny

Author

Alexei Navalny was a Russian opposition leader, anti-corruption activist, and political figure whose courage in confronting the Russian government made him one of the most prominent advocates for democracy and the rule of law in modern Russia. His memoir, published posthumously, is a testament to his determination, his wit, and his... refusal to be silenced. Born in Butyn, near Moscow, in 1976, Navalny studied law and finance and became increasingly active in Russian opposition politics in the 2000s. He founded the Anti-Corruption Foundation, which produced detailed investigations exposing corruption among Russian officials, including a viral video documenting the lavish estate allegedly built for President Vladimir Putin. Navalny ran for mayor of Moscow in 2013, winning a surprising 27% of the vote in a race widely seen as rigged. He became the most visible leader of the Russian democratic opposition, organising protests, building a national network of supporters, and challenging the Kremlin's authority with fearless persistence. In August 2020, Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent. After treatment in Germany, he made the extraordinary decision to return to Russia in January 2021, despite the near certainty of arrest. He was immediately detained and subsequently sentenced to years in prison on charges widely condemned as politically motivated. Navalny died in an Arctic prison colony in February 2024 under circumstances that remain disputed. He was forty-seven years old. PATRIOT, his memoir, was published posthumously — written in prison and smuggled out, it tells the story of his life, his activism, and his unwavering belief in a democratic Russia. The book is by turns funny, defiant, and deeply moving. The audiobook edition of PATRIOT is a powerful listening experience, capturing Navalny's voice and spirit. His book and audiobook are essential — the testament of a man who gave his life for the belief that Russia deserved better. Read more Show less