This was an interesting read from the inside out about how the wheel turns in Russia. Written by two exiled investigative Russian journalists, the book describes the closeness they had with many friends in the early days of their careers and the camaraderie and debates they would have about life, work, and politics. Their shared experiences in a country that drew from the past, struggled to define itself post-Soviet Union, and now under the complete power of the Kremlin were not enough to sustain those friendships. Instead, it was those same experiences but divergent philosophies and values that drove these friendships apart. This book details the group of friends’ move from idealism to the reality of life in the ever present shadow of Russia’s political system and its machinations, and the choices each have made. I wasn’t wowed by the writing style - it was plodding in parts and not very engaging, although this may have been a function of writing in a different language. Read the book more for a first-hand account into life as it is in current Russia told by the authors who lived there until they moved/escaped to the U.K. in 2020. Many thanks to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

OMG. I could not put this book down. It was a fascinating review of modern history AND foreboding in the parallels to the MAGA movement in the US. In a world that has lost its critical thinking skills, where likes and going viral replace the truth, the integrity and bravery of Irina and Andrei is even more admirable.