Patriot

by Alexei Navalny

Do you truly believe in your own principles? Do you really know how far you would go to fight for what you believe in?  Are you someone who would challenge corruption, tyranny and autocracy? Would you stand against a dictator who had the ways and means to have you assassinated, imprisoned, or just disappear? If like me, you have no idea, ‘Patriot’ might be the book for you. Learning about Alexei Navalny and his patriotism to his country was utterly humbling and provided many an example of where I would fall way short of the required selfless dedication. If you ever wanted to see into the old Soviet Union, to experience growing up, to understand the people, to witness the turmoil post the Berlin Wall falling and subsequently living the adolescence of the modern Russia maturing into what you see now, then Patriot provides a perfectly clear window not smeared in propaganda.  Patriot gives the reader a rare but simple insider’s view so we can grapple with the factors of how and why Russia has again become our ‘enemy’.  Should we fear them? What can we do to prevent a new Soviet Bloc? This is for you to consider.

Whilst reading Patriot I experienced a myriad of emotions from elation to desperate sadness. I was left thankful. Grateful I serve in an Armed Forces which I truly believe represents a country that, although not perfect, is a force for good.  Having read Animal Farm at the age of 14, Patriot turns fable into prophecy.  History is littered with people given the title of patriot. One could argue the title of this book is often used too liberally to characterise; does Alexei Navalny deserve his place in history alongside Ghandi, Mandela and Washington as a true Patriot? Only you and time will decide.

Captain Kiwi Scarcliff

Published by: Vintage Publishing; 19 June 2025.

ISBN-13: 978-1529933659