Best memoir I’ve read

‘Patriot’ is the best memoir I’ve read (or in this case listened to). Maybe I don’t read enough books, but this one is a real cracker! Despite its often dark subject matter, Navalny’s personality jumps off the page. He’s playful, witty, insightful and often laugh-out-loud funny. He starts by describing his novichok poisoning, but then backs up to cover his early life in the Soviet era, his gradual political awakening and the evolution of his movement to tackle the inherent corruption of crony capitalism. The last part of the book is his prison diaries. Charismatic, defiant and courageous to the end, his writing is down to earth and totally engaging even when writing about the minutiae of life in prison. There’s much biting sarcasm at the expense of Putin, Russian oligarchs, the FSB and dim-witted prison officers, but he’s also reflective and often pokes fun at himself. As others have said – a dazzling book. Exceptionally well narrated too.