The powerful and moving memoir of a fearless political opposition leader who paid the ultimate price for his beliefs.
Alexei Navalny began writing PATRIOT shortly after his near-fatal poisoning in 2020. It is the full story of his life: his youth, his call to activism, his marriage and family, his commitment to challenging a world super-power determined to silence him, and his total conviction that change cannot be resisted - and will come.
In vivid, page-turning detail, including never-before-seen correspondence from prison, Navalny recounts, among other things, his political career, the many attempts on his life, and the lives of the people closest to him, and the relentless campaign he and his team waged against an increasingly dictatorial regime.
Written with the passion, wit, candour and bravery for which he was justly acclaimed, PATRIOT is Navalny's final letter to the world: a moving account of his last years spent in the most brutal prison on earth; a reminder of why the principles of individual freedom matter so deeply; and a rousing call to continue the work for which he sacrificed his life.
'This book is a testament not only to Alexei's life, but to his unwavering commitment to the fight against dictatorship - a fight he gave everything for, including his life. Through its pages, readers will come to know the man I loved deeply - a man of profound integrity and unyielding courage. Sharing his story will not only honour his memory but also inspire others to stand up for what is right and to never lose sight of the values that truly matter.' - Yulia Navalnaya
'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
'Patriot will be seen as a historic text' ECONOMIST
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 reader.
'A brave and brilliant book' GUARDIAN
'A worthy testament to Navalny's courage, defiance and humour' FINANCIAL TIMES
'This book is a gospel' VANITY FAIR
'Inspiring, emboldening - a voice that will not be forgotten' NEW YORKER
** A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER * A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * A WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF 2024**
(Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers, October 2024)
