Once upon a Time in Russia tells the story of how a small group of young men transformed Russia from a decaying communist state into an economic superpower. Starting with almost nothing, these oligarchs built immense fortunes and held tremendous sway over Russian politics and society. Ben Mezrich provides readers with an inside account of their journeys to power, detailing their business savvy, political acumen, ruthlessness, and ceaseless ambition. Featuring dramatic accounts of pivotal moments in recent Russian historyāfrom Boris Yeltsinās shocking rise to power to Vladimir Putinās consolidation of controlāthis is an enthralling tale that reveals the true nature of wealth and corruption in modern Russia.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who wants to learn about one of the most fascinating periods in Russian history. Ben Mezrich provides a detailed account of how a small group of young men managed to amass immense fortunes and wield tremendous influence over Russia’s politics and society.
Pros :
- The author provides readers with an inside account of the journeys to power of the oligarchs.
- The book contains dramatic accounts of pivotal moments in recent Russian history.
- It reveals the true nature of wealth and corruption in modern Russia.
Cons :
- The author is biased towards the oligarchs.
- The book focuses too much on Russian history and not enough on the oligarchs themselves.
- There is no clear structure to the book, making it difficult to follow at times.
Learn more about the author
Ben Mezrich is the author of The Accidental Billionaires, which was adapted into the Academy Award-winning film The Social Network. He has also written Bringing Down the House and Ugly Americans. A graduate of Harvard University, he lives in Boston with his wife.
Reader Reviews
“Once Upon a Time in Russia is an absolutely riveting read. Ben Mezrich has crafted another winner, bringing to life the fascinating and outrageous story of how a small group of young men seized control of Russia during the chaotic years following the fall of communism and built empires that made them some of the richest people on earth.”
“Once upon a Time in Russia is an excellent book. Ben Mezrich does an amazing job telling the story of how a small group of young men, through business savvy and ambition, were able to build empires and become some of the wealthiest people in history.”
“Once upon a Time in Russia is an excellent book. Ben Mezrich does a great job describing the rise of the oligarchs and their influence on Russian politics and society. The book is filled with fascinating stories about these powerful men, as well as dramatic accounts of pivotal moments in recent Russian history.”
“Once Upon a Time in Russia is an excellent and exciting read. Ben Mezrich has done it again with his great storytelling ability, bringing to life the fascinating story of how a small group of young men took advantage of Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika and Glasnost policies to amass fortunes, power, and influence.”