PATRIOT

by Alexei Novalny

A HERO LIKE FEW OTHERS

Alexei Navalny started writing his memoir shortly after his non-fatal poisoning while aboard an airplane which severely disabled him in 2020. He accounts aspects of his life from his youth to his activism of challenging the Russian people to resist their corrupt authoritarian government and his conviction that change CAN come.

This book was mostly written while he was imprisoned and somehow pages were smuggled out to be collected and reassembled later. Alexei accounts the numerous attempts on his life and of those closest to him. We see that nothing deters him and he becomes one of the most brave “patriots” of all time. His passion to not be silenced while knowing the state had no bigger priority, reminds us in the U.S., who are also experiencing losses in our individual freedoms to never give up and to resist and speak up. “Patriot” is Navalny’s last letter to the world while being incarcerated in the most brutal prison on earth. In these last years of his life he recalled his experiences with candor and the knowledge that he most likely would be sacrificed but not silenced.

Despite his great love for his wife and children he could not let his principles die along with him as he makes a rousing call to all that continue his work and for which he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

His wife Yulia wrote, “This book is a testament to not only 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 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.

We truly need heroes like him today in our own country.

5 Stars