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PATRIOT

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PATRIOT

By: Alexei Navalny, Arch Tait - translator, Stephen Dalziel - translator
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

**WINNER OF THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS 2024 BOOK OF THE YEAR**

Patriot is the unforgettable life story of one of the most fearless and inspiring figures of our time.
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.

HUSBAND: 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.

PRISONER: 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: 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.

‘Charisma and courage dazzle on every page’ SUNDAY TIMES

'The greatest political figure of his generation' OBSERVER

'Inspiring, emboldening - a voice that will not be forgotten' NEW YORKER
©2024 Alexei Navalny (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 Activists Best of 2024 Editors Select Freedom & Security Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Russian & Soviet World Russia Soviet Union

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 the fight against Putin’s regime – and a warning to the world … A brave and brilliant book (Luke Harding)
A worthy testament to the author’s resistance to Putin and a heartbreaking account of Russia’s collapse into war and repression … [Patriot] is the best example left to us of Navalny’s defiance, courage, humour, and love for a country he believed could become 'the beautiful Russia of the future'
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)
Powerful ... A brave, passionate and intimate read about everything from family to activism
Much has been written about the chilling realities of Putin’s Russia. Yet… Alexei Navalny is in a class of its own… Unflinching, defiant and even hopeful, the book… [is] a shocking and extraordinary “memorial” (Frederick Studemann)
Patriot, by the murdered Russian opposition leader, will be seen as a historic text … Its value lies not in what it tells you about the cruelties of Mr Putin’s regime, but in what it reveals about the human spirit
This book is a gospel … impossible to stop reading ... [Navalny] is not going to be the political leader for future generations of Russians. But he might be the moral example – some kind of Russian messiah
Alexei Navalny never loses faith that his cause is worth suffering for … [Patriot] is a testament to a famed dissident's extraordinary battle against despair as the Russian authorities gradually increase their crackdown against him
All stars
Most relevant
Truth can be pursued with calmness, detachment, humour, and a complete lack of self pity. We can learn much from the l life of Alexei Navalny. Rest in peace, brother.

A very brave man.

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‘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.

Best memoir I’ve read

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Navalny story is incredibly inspiring despite his struggles with the regime. Even though he knows he cannot win unless the regime that has falsely incarcerated him falls, his determination to fight against tyranny should be an inspiration to all of us to fight for good.

A good man

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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.

Modern day hero

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

Very well translated

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It feels trite leaving a review for such a work and it’s difficult to find the words. Patriot is deeply moving, insightful and well written. Navalny’s courage, humour, character and authenticity inspire hope and deep respect.

Extraordinary man, gripping book

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

A must to listen to

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

Dedicated to Russia

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His love for Russia come through on every page. It is truly remarkable how he managed to maintain his dignity whilst in prison.

Vale Alexie! A true patriot.

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It is an honour to hear the words of a Russian man who lived his life and ultimately died for the love of his Country and its people. Alexei lived the life of change only happens when you are willing to get your hands dirty. He believed in all of the work he did and leaves a message of courage for generations to come. The battle is not yet won for the freedom of Russians from dictatorship and tyranny but Alexei bravery and down to earth hope, courage and fight should be an inspiration to all of us.

An ordinary man focused on change for good

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