Patriot

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.

Review

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 ― Sunday Times

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 ― Guardian *Book of the Day*

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' ― Financial Times

Funny, fiery, reflective and tragic, laced with Navalny’s trademark wry humour and idealism -- Alexandra Alter ― New York Times Published On: 2024-10-20

Inspiring, emboldening – a voice that will not be forgotten -- David Remnick ― New Yorker

Powerful ... A brave, passionate and intimate read about everything from family to activism ― i

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 ― Financial Times, *Books of the Year*

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 ― Economist

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 ― Vanity Fair

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 ― Independent

About the Author

Alexei Navalny (Author)
ALEXEI NAVALNY was a Russian opposition leader, an anti-corruption campaigner, and political prisoner who won international recognition and respect. His many international honours included the Sakharov Prize, the European Parliament’s annual human rights prize. He died in 2024.