A posthumous memoir by Alexey Navalny, Russia’s prominent opposition figure, is set to be released on October 22. In the memoir, titled Patriot, Navalny shares his belief that he would die in prison, expressing a mixture of despair and defiance in the face of his imprisonment. Excerpts from the memoir, published by The New Yorker on Friday, include passages from Navalny’s prison diary.
Navalny, who was detained in January 2021 and sentenced to 19 years in a penal colony on charges of “extremism,” wrote in March 2022, “I will spend the rest of my life in prison and die here… All anniversaries will be celebrated without me. I’ll never see my grandchildren.” He died on February 16, 2024, at the age of 47, prompting global condemnation, with many blaming President Vladimir Putin for his demise.
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Navalny’s book reflects on his decision to return to Russia in 2021 following his recovery from a near-fatal poisoning in 2020, allegedly orchestrated by Russian security services. In his writings, Navalny addresses the loneliness of his imprisonment but also injects touches of humor. On July 1, 2022, he described his daily routine, including sewing work and hours spent on a bench under a portrait of Putin in what he called “disciplinary activity.”
In his final excerpt, dated January 17, 2024, Navalny reflects on why he returned to Russia despite the dangers: “I don’t want to give up my country or betray it. If your convictions mean something, you must be prepared to stand up for them and make sacrifices if necessary.”
Patriot, published by Knopf, will also be available in Russian, providing readers a candid look at Navalny’s experience behind bars and his unwavering commitment to his country. David Remnick, New Yorker editor, remarked, “It’s impossible to read Navalny’s prison diary without being outraged by the tragedy of his suffering, and by his death.”
Key Points:
- Posthumous Memoir Release: Alexey Navalny’s memoir, Patriot, will be released on October 22, sharing his thoughts and experiences while imprisoned as a prominent Russian dissident.
- Fear of Dying in Prison: In his writings, Navalny reveals that he believed he would die in prison, expressing a profound sense of isolation and loss.
- Excerpts Published by The New Yorker: The New Yorker released excerpts from his diary, illustrating the bleakness of his daily life and his poignant reflections on family and freedom.
- Navalny’s Routine in Prison: Navalny describes the monotony and harshness of his routine, including long hours at a sewing machine and forced sitting under a portrait of Vladimir Putin.
- Resilience and Patriotism: Navalny’s final excerpt reflects his decision to return to Russia despite knowing the risks, citing his commitment to his homeland and his refusal to abandon it.
- Global Reaction to His Death: Navalny’s death in February 2024 led to widespread condemnation, with many accusing President Putin of orchestrating his demise.
- Publisher and Translation: The memoir will be published by Knopf, with a Russian version also planned to reach a broader audience.
