The late Russian opposition leader, Aleksei A. Navalny, who died in a Russian prison earlier this year, will have his memoir, titled “Patriot,” published in the United States by Knopf on Oct. 22. The memoir, which will have a first printing of half a million copies and a simultaneous release in multiple countries, is a final act of defiance by Navalny against the Kremlin’s attempts to silence him.
Navalny, known for his fierce criticism of President Vladimir V. Putin and his pro-democracy activism, was a prominent figure in Russia. Despite facing physical harm, arrests, and imprisonment, Navalny continued to speak out against the Russian government. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, described the memoir as a testament to his commitment to fighting dictatorship and standing up for what is right.
The memoir, written entirely by Navalny himself with assistance from Yulia Navalnaya, covers his life, activism, near-fatal poisoning, and political aspirations. Navalny’s return to Russia in 2021, knowing he would likely face imprisonment and danger, sparked protests that were eventually suppressed by the Kremlin. Even in prison, Navalny remained a vocal critic of Putin and continued to work on the memoir, including never-before-seen correspondence from his time behind bars.
Despite the risks involved in carrying on Navalny’s work, his followers remain dedicated to upholding his legacy. The publication of “Patriot” is expected to inspire others to stand up for democracy and human rights, honoring Navalny’s memory and his unwavering courage in the face of adversity.
