“In Russia, we only had two TV channels. Channel One was propaganda. Channel Two consisted of a KGB officer telling you: Turn back at once to Channel One.”
Whether it’s an update on the country’s illegal invasion of Ukraine or the revelation that another political dissident has been pushed aside, Russia is a country that finds itself making headlines almost every other day. Yet, for all we discuss about it, understanding it can be a harder task. Thankfully, historians, commentators, journalists and first-hand witnesses can help with books about Russia that lift the lid on the culture, history, politics and lives of its inhabitants.
The largest country on Earth, Russia’s influence on global affairs stretches far beyond its borders. From Wagner mercenaries operating in Sudan to meddling in Presidential elections in the US, few nations on the planet are as significant a player as Russia. So today at What We Reading we thought we would present the best books about Russia that make sense of the country today, including where it has come from, how it operates today and what its plans for the future might look like.
A Short History Of Russia: How The World’s Largest Country Invented Itself, From The Pagans To Putin – Mark Galeotti
Condensing the entire history of Russia into one snappy read sounds like an impossible challenge, but it is one Mark Galeotti more than delivers on in his 2020 book, A Short History of Russia.
Chronicling the epic and dramatic story of the country’s fascinating history in a lively and accessible delivery, Galeotti showcases how Russia has mythologised its past to unite a land with no single ethnic group or natural borders into one of the biggest players in history. From Ivan the Terrible and Catherine the Great, the rise and fall of the Romanovs, the Russian Revolution, Chernobyl and present-day rule under Vladimir Putin, Galeotti’s work is one of the best books about Russia for understanding how the country was shaped, and how Russians have come to terms with their identity, and what the future holds for the nation.
Between Two Fires: Truth, Ambition, And Compromise In Putin’s Russia – Joshua Yaffa
Joshua Yaffa, a renowned journalist in Moscow and a New Yorker correspondent, presents an eye-opening account of present-day Russia and the people living under Vladimir Putin’s thumb in his 2020 book, Between Two Fires. From politicians to entrepreneurs and artists, this book on Russia takes readers on a tour across the nation examining the lives and identities of individuals in the shadow of Putin’s system.
Whilst some find themselves destitute, broken and demoralised, others climb to the top thanks to benefits and privileges handed out by those in power. All of them, however, are united by a complex web of dilemmas and contradictions that come with associating with the government. Told with depth and intimacy, Yaffa’s book about Russia is one of the most illuminating for those looking to learn more about the influence of Putin’s government, and the inner machinations of how it operates.
Nothing Is True And Everything Is Possible: The Surreal Heart Of The New Russia – Peter Pomerantsev
British producer Peter Pomerantsev takes readers into the bizarre and wild world of contemporary Russia in his acclaimed 2014 book about the country, Nothing Is True and Everything is Possible. If you’ve found yourself wondering how Russian disinformation seems to be an unstoppable, never-ending cycle, this is the book about Russia for you.
By focusing on the Russian TV industry, Pomerantsev’s book explores how the country stepped out from the shadow of the Soviet Union; and into a new era of fast money, constant change and post-modern politics where leaders and conspiracy theories could play like reality stars. From meetings with propaganda gurus to the salons of the internationally rich and famous, Nothing is True and Everything is Possible is a dazzling read that showcases Russia’s descent into the murky world of fact and fiction collide, and how Putin’s aggressive regime has tapped into its potential.
Putin’s Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia? – Karen Dawisha
Heralded as one of the most insightful books on Russia, Karen Dawisha attempts to condense everything a reader needs to know about its mysterious leader in her 2014 work, Putin’s Kleptocracy.
A renowned Russian scholar, Dawisha utilises years of extensive research into the KGB using Stasi archives, investigative journals, crime syndicates and Russian media to showcase who Vladimir Putin is, how he rose to power, the individuals he brought with him, and the billions they have swindled in the years since. Much of the material found in Putin’s Kleptocracy has been scrubbed by official Kremlin records, with several of the individuals who provided it dying in the years since its publication, helping to make the book not only one of the best books on Putin but also for understanding the clandestine means he and his circle have and continue to operate.
All The Kremlin’s Men: Inside The Court Of Vladimir Putin – Mikhail Zygar
Another one of the best books about Russia for understanding the inner workings of Putin’s regime comes from Mikhail Zygar in All the Kremlin’s Men. Whilst Vladimir Putin has undoubtedly become the face of Russia and its ruling regime, it’s important to remember that he is not alone in power.
Through his fascinating guide, Zygar takes readers into the heart of Putin’s regime, introducing them to the significant players not only responsible for executing his orders but also shaping his worldview. These individuals all share Putin’s air of mystery, which makes All the Kremlin’s Men one of the most invaluable reads for understanding how politics in Russia work. Featuring public interviews, press records and off-the-record gossip, Zygar’s guide to Putin’s circle is one of the most highly readable books for understanding the country.
Shadow State: Murder, Mayhem And Russia’s Attack On The West – Luke Harding
Luke Harding’s Shadow State is a thrilling account of how Russia is utilising espionage, corruption, fake news and KGB-styled murder to disrupt, undermine and divide the United States and Western world. It is undoubtedly one of the best books for those looking to learn more about how and why Russia constantly finds itself falling foul of international norms.
An award-winning journalist and bestselling author, Harding charts how Communist-era strategies have been brought into the modern world of populist politics and online internet trolls. With Putin’s emissaries including oligarchs, lawyers and mercenaries, Shadow State explains how his reach is global and remains a defining work for exposing how politics has become so chaotic and fractious over the past decade.
The Story Of Russia – Orlando Figes
Another one of the best books about Russia for exploring how the country has come to be and explaining the identity it has fastened for itself, The Story of Russia is a 2022 book by Orlando Figes. From the founding of Kievan Rus to Putin’s war against Ukraine, Figes’ bestselling work is a collection of the national mythologies and imperial ideologies that have shaped Russian politics during its lifetime, making for one of the most essential reads for those looking to understand it today.
Whether it be the tendency towards autocratic rule, the belief in a paternal tsar passing out justice and truth or the myth of unfair treatment by the West, The Story of Russia showcases how understanding how the Russians have come to shape their history is one of the best ways of understanding how they think and act today.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
