Patriot

A Memoir

By: Alexei Navalny

Narrated by: Matthew Goode

Length: 16 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

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, thrilling 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, candor, 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 honor 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

©2024 Alexei Navalny (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Patriot is by turns funny, fiery, reflective and tragic, laced with Navalny’s trademark wry humor and idealism....a gutting personal account from a husband and father facing the reality that he will never be with his family again."—Alexandra Alter, The New York Times

"Extraordinary... This is a brave and brilliant book, a luminous account of Navalny's life and dark times. It is a challenge from beyond the grave to Russia's murder-addicted rulers.... sharp, playful and lacking in self-pity. Nothing crushes him."—Luke Harding, The Guardian

"Patriot...will be seen as a historic text....Much like Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Notes from a Dead House” (1862)... and Martin Luther King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (1963), Patriot transcends its place and time. 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....[Patriot] is a passionate account of Russia’s extreme violence and a moving reflection on endurance and accepting death.... In a dictatorship, Navalny’s only weapon was his life."—The Economist

Words fail

Alexei Navalny’s ‘Patriot’ is a profoundly moving testament to the power of conviction and personal sacrifice. The narrative is both inspiring and, at times, heart-wrenching, as it delves into the grim realities faced by those who dare to challenge oppressive regimes. Navalny’s eloquent prose offers a window into the mind of a man for whom the cause of justice outweighs personal safety. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the true cost of standing up for one’s beliefs in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Honestly

Spoken direct from the heart, we all should have such devotion and passion for our beliefs.
Read it.

Incredible human being

just enhances belief in what an amazing human being he was. what an inspiration, and what a loss for the Russian people and all of humanity.

A True Hero

This is a moving account of the inner life of a true patriot, Alexei Navalny. Through his eloquence, clarity of conviction and humour, Navalny shares his incredible work and endless optimism for a free and prosperous Russia. I highly recommend it

Amazing and inspiring

I wish everyone could experience this book. The writing is brilliant; the story is haunting yet hopeful. Truth will always win.

Don’t stare at the table

Gratitude to Yulia for ensuring this book was published. Rest in power, Alexei. A new Russia will be realized because of you.

Such a brave man

So sad to know the ending. This man and his family are so brave. All through his miserable circumstances he kept his sense of humor. Amazing man and should never be forgotten.

Very interesting and eye opening

Well narrated. Well written. Informative. Eye opening and heartbreaking. I highly recommend this book. I learned quite a lot about the world affairs.

oh finish your pumpkin latte and go do something to save the world

One hour of the book left for me, and the elections are in 2 days. I know how the book will end, and that my heart will be broken. Today, this book is #1 on Amazon, and may be it will make a difference. Maybe we learn. I hope so.
Alexei, from the bottom of Maslow pyramid, called us to do something while we have the freedom and life to do so. And also to hope, and to enjoy simple joys of life.
This is a great book, I will be reading it with my kids.

Incredibly inspiring

This is one of the most remarkable memoirs that I have ever read. Incredibly human, funny, and hopeful. It gives a window into the mind and soul of a man who stood up for what he believed in and for his country. He is worthy of the “patriot” title of the book. I look forward to the day that Russia is worthy of Navalny.