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The Future is History

How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia
By Masha Gessen
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Future is History by Masha Gessen is a compelling exploration of Russia's journey from the end of the Soviet Union to a repressive contemporary regime. Through the lives of four individuals marked by historical currents, Gessen illuminates the struggle for freedom in a society reverting to autocracy. This profound and gripping narrative intertwines personal stories with broader historical events.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in understanding how Russia transitioned from communism to a new, authoritarian regime, with personal stories providing an insightful look into the everyday lives affected by these political changes.

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The sweeping, revelatory history of post-Soviet Russia from the great dissident exile.

The sweeping, revelatory history of post-Soviet Russia from the great dissident exile

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
The Future is History by Masha Gessen is a riveting exploration of modern Russia’s turbulent journey from the fall of the Soviet Union to its current iteration as a formidable, authoritarian state. Spanning several decades, the book meticulously chronicles the lives of four Russians, who were born during the collapse of the USSR, at a time brimming with hopes of democratic reform. Each of these individuals navigates their own unique path, imbued with dreams and aspirations. They are the children or grandchildren of those who helped shape the new Russia - entrepreneurs aiming to redefine their futures, activists striving for societal change, thinkers and writers wrestling with the nation's psyche, as well as individuals claiming their identities in terms of sexuality and social stature. Gessen compellingly documents their intersecting journeys amidst the backdrop of a repressive regime that continuously seeks to throttle their voices through censorship, intimidation, and violence. This authoritarian grip, coupled with the state's relentless effort to suppress self-awareness and nostalgic reaffirmance of the infamous Soviet order, showcases the reinstatement of a monolithic power structure reminiscent of a mafia state. As both a cultural and political narrative, The Future is History skilfully intertwines personal stories with incisive political analysis. Gessen, celebrated for her fearless journalism, offers a piercing critique on contemporary Russia. Her narrative exposes the deep-seated corruption and the inexorable erosion of democratic principles, providing readers with a vivid and alarming vision of a society under siege. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Russia’s sociopolitical landscape. It serves not just as a historical account, but also as a cautionary tale that underscores the fragile nature of freedom and democracy in the face of resurgent authoritarianism.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Future is History is highly praised for its beautifully-written and cleverly-structured narrative, providing a deep understanding of Russia's struggle with democracy. Masha Gessen's work is recognised for humanising the vast nation by focusing on the lives of a few individuals, making it a compelling read about hope, despair, and societal change under Putin's regime. The book is described as impassioned, critical, and insightful, shedding light on nostalgia's impact on Russian society and the rise of nationalism and other social issues.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781783784028

Publisher: Granta Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 July 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Granta Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 31.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 365g

Pages: 528

Collections

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About the Author

Masha Gessen is a journalist and the author of several books including Blood Matters and The Man Without a Face, which was longlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize 2012. She has contributed to the New York Review of Books and the New Yorker. She has been described as Russia's leading LGBT rights activist, and served as a member of the board of directors for the Moscow-based LGBT rights organization "Triangle" from 1993 to 1998. She lives in New York.

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