Once Upon a Time in Russia

Once Upon a Time in Russia by Ben Mezrich is an enthralling deep dive into the world of Russia's richest and most powerful oligarchs. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental Billionaires and Bringing Down the House, Mezrich's latest work offers an eye-opening and riveting portrayal of the individuals who emerged as multi-billionaires following the fall of the Soviet Union.

In a landscape marked by chaos and opportunity, this book tells the true and untold story of larger-than-life figures like Boris Berezovsky, a brilliant mathematician turned entrepreneur, and Roman Abramovich, his ambitious protege. Together, they navigated the treacherous waters of post-Soviet Russia, engaging in a complex, uniquely Russian partnership. Berezovsky, often referred to as the "Godfather of the Kremlin," served as a 'krysha'—or protector—for the younger Abramovich, helping him build an empire in oil and aluminum.

Through the eyes of these oligarchs, Mezrich paints a vivid picture of the 'Wild East' era, where fortunes were made and lost in the blink of an eye. Under Berezovsky's protection, Abramovich created one of Russia's largest oil companies, facilitating cash deliveries of staggering amounts, such as $491 million in just a single year. However, their relationship soured when Berezovsky openly criticized President Vladimir Putin, leading to a dramatic shift in fortunes. While Berezovsky fled to the UK amid escalating threats and violence, Abramovich continued to thrive under Putin's regime.

With the heart-stopping pace of a thriller, Once Upon a Time in Russia is a chronicle of amassed wealth and power, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and danger. Trailing Berezovsky were a series of suspicious deaths, including a notorious Polonium poisoning and his own death, controversially ruled as suicide.

Exclusively sourced and meticulously researched, this book captures a momentous period in recent world history. It is both a personal and political saga, revealing the intricate connections between wealth, corruption, and power. Described by Graydon Carter as 'the story of our age,’ Once Upon a Time in Russia offers readers a rare, unprecedented look into the lives and actions of the oligarchs who continue to shape modern Russia.