NEW YORK — A memoir titled “Patriot,” released posthumously eight months after the imprisonment of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, reveals his unwavering belief in the significance of his struggle, despite expressing a desire for a different narrative.
In “Patriot,” published this past Tuesday, Navalny describes his work as a blend of traditional storytelling coupled with a prison diary. He notes, “I so much do not want my book to be yet another prison diary. Personally, I find them interesting to read, but as a genre — enough is surely enough.”
The memoir spans 479 pages, including around 200 pages that reflect the typical themes of prison literature and classic Russian narratives, reminiscent of Solzhenitsyn’s “One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.” In these sections, Navalny details the tedium, isolation, and absurdity of life behind bars while intertwining references to literature and pop culture, ranging from 19th-century French authors to contemporary musician Billie Eilish.
Beyond mere reflection of his confinement, “Patriot” serves as an affirmation of Navalny’s relentless fight against despondency amidst mounting oppression from Russian authorities. He offers insights on coping with adversity, stating, “The important thing is not to torment yourself with anger, hatred, fantasies of revenge, but to move instantly to acceptance.” He acknowledges the mental struggle but asserts that coming to terms with one’s predicament allows for a clearer path forward.
Navalny emerged as a global symbol of resistance in recent years, transitioning from an anti-corruption advocate to a formidable political contender challenging President Vladimir Putin. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, played a crucial role in bringing “Patriot” to publication. In a promotional interview, she expressed willingness to run for president if she were to return to Russia, recognizing the unlikelihood of such a possibility under Putin’s regime. Navalnaya herself has faced legal challenges in Russia, accused of ties to an extremist organization. She shares a vision of accountability for Putin, insisting he should experience the conditions faced by her husband and all political prisoners in Russia.
Committed to continuing her husband’s legacy, Navalnaya has actively communicated with supporters through video messages and has engaged with Western leaders to advocate for those opposing the Kremlin’s policies, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. In his memoir, Navalny fondly recalls their connection, describing Yulia as a soulmate capable of discussing complex issues with reason and calmness.
In the initial chapters of “Patriot,” Navalny contemplates the dissolution of the Soviet Union, his disillusionment with the Yeltsin era, his anti-corruption efforts, and his entry into politics. Realizing he could be the change he sought, he wrote, “I wanted and waited, and one day I realized I could be that person myself.” His vision of a prosperous and democratic Russia resonated widely, bolstered by his charisma and biting humor, attracting support across the vast nation. Navalny assembled a vibrant team of young activists who employed modern methods akin to a dynamic startup, producing engaging content to expose government corruption, amassing millions of online views, and inspiring mass protests even as state repression intensified.
In response to his rising popularity, the government implemented a series of legal actions against Navalny, targeting him, his associates, and even his family. They frequently imprisoned him and dismantled the political network he built, including the 2011-established Foundation for Fighting Corruption and its extensive regional offices.
The memoir details the harrowing account of his poisoning in 2020, an act he attributed to Kremlin operatives, which the government denied. He vividly recounts his near-fatal experience, describing his thoughts during critical moments. Following a challenging recovery in Germany, Navalny returned to Russia, where he was immediately arrested and spent the remaining years of his life in confinement.
Even from prison, he continued to endure significant pressures, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, prompting an aggressive clampdown on dissent. He managed to convey the dire conditions of solitary confinement and chronic mistreatment, detailing experiences of sleep deprivation and lack of basic healthcare. By October 2023, several of his legal representatives faced arrest, with some being placed on a wanted list.
His circumstances worsened in December 2023 when he was relocated to a high-security penal colony located in a remote area above the Arctic Circle. Tragically, in February 2024, Navalny died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 47. While his allies contend that the Kremlin orchestrated his death, officials claim he succumbed to natural causes, withholding further information on the incident.
Navalny’s funeral drew tens of thousands of mourners on the outskirts of Moscow in March, reflecting a rare act of defiance in a nation where dissent is met with brutal suppression.