The Man Without a Face is a riveting and alarming account of the rise to power of Vladimir Putin, one of the most enigmatic and powerful leaders in recent history. Journalist Masha Gessen traces Putin’s trajectory from rural obscurity to president of Russia, uncovering along the way his dark secrets and mysterious past. This richly researched book also provides insight into how Putin’s grip on power has resulted in increasing suppression at home and aggression abroad, endangering both Russians and others around him.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone interested in learning about Vladimir Putin, his mysterious past and how he has become one of the most powerful leaders in recent history.
Pros :
- The Man Without a Face is exhaustively researched and therefore provides great insights into Putin’s rise to power.
- The book paints a detailed picture of Putin’s past, including information that is not widely known.
- Gessen also provides excellent analysis of the dangers posed by Putin’s regime both domestically and internationally.
Cons :
- It is dense and can be difficult to follow.
- It’s long, at over 400 pages.
- Putin is still a very mysterious figure, and this book doesn’t quite clear everything up.
Learn more about the author
Masha Gessen is a Russian-American journalist and author. She has written for The New York Times, the Washington Post, Vanity Fair, Slate, and other publications.
Reader Reviews
“This is a must-read book for anyone trying to understand Russia and Putin. Gessen provides an engaging, candid account of his rise to power, chronicling the Russian president’s tactics and demonstrating how they have impacted politics not only in Russia but also throughout the world.”
“This is an excellent and important book. Masha Gessen has written a riveting account of the rise to power of Vladimir Putin, based on prodigious research and interviews in Russia and with Russians who have had personal experience with him. She also provides penetrating insights into what his rule has meant for Russia – increasingly repressive at home, aggressive abroad – as well as for the world.”
“Gessen has written a fast-paced, thought-provoking expose of Putin’s rise to power. . .”
“Masha Gessen has written a chilling and riveting account of the rise to power of Vladimir Putin. With profound insight and investigative daring, she takes us behind closed doors to expose the dark heart of Russian politics during Putin’s ascent. The Man Without a Face is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand Russia today.”
