Masha Gessen’s The Future Is History is a compelling and frightening account of how Russia has been reclaimed by totalitarianism. Through the stories of six individual lives, Gessen illustrates how Putin’s regime has crushed freedom, dissent, and individuality in favor of propaganda, lies, and fear. This necessary book provides an urgent warning about the dangers that we all face under authoritarianism.
For who is this book for ?
Masha Gessen’s The Future Is History is a compelling and frightening account of how Russia has been reclaimed by totalitarianism. It would be perfect for someone interested in politics or social sciences, as it provides an insightful look into the inner workings of Putin’s regime.
Pros :
- The Future Is History is a well-written and insightful account of modern Russia and the rise of totalitarianism under Putin.
- Gessen’s portraits of individual lives provide a humanizing counterbalance to the cold, impersonal machinery of government oppression.
- This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the current state of affairs in Russia and how it might impact the rest of the world.
Cons :
- the author writes in a dense, academic style that can be difficult to follow at times;
- the book is long and may not hold the interest of general readers;
- it does provide an important perspective on Putin’s Russia and should be read by anyone concerned about global politics.
Learn more about the author
Masha Gessen is a Russian-American journalist and author who has written extensively about Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Born in Moscow, she left the Soviet Union with her family at the age of 14 and moved to America. She is a vocal critic of Putin’s government and has been banned from entering Russia since 2012.
Reader Reviews
“Brilliant, devastating, and essential.”
“Gessen’s book is a masterpiece of its kind, an unerring act of political reporting written with the novelist’s eye for character and place.”
“Gessen has written a brave and necessary book about the nightmare of totalitarianism, which not only describesPutin’s Russia but also offers insights into our own political future. In these dark times, she is a light of clarity and truth.”
“In The Future is History, Masha Gessen has written a deeply personal and powerful account of Russiaās slide back into totalitarianism. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the current state of affairs in Russiaāand the forces that are threatening to undermine democracy everywhere.”
