This book is a biography of Russian president Vladimir Putin, written by Masha Gessen. It traces his life from his humble beginnings as the son of a Soviet bureaucrat to his rise to power as one of the most influential leaders in the world. The Man Without a Face also explores Putin’s controversial policies, including his alleged involvement in several high-profile murders and kidnappings.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the life of Vladimir Putin, as well as politics and social sciences.
Pros :
- Gessen is a highly respected journalist and her writing is clear and concise
- The book offers a unique perspective on Putin’s life and career
- It provides detailed insights into the inner workings of the Russian government
Cons :
- It is dense and difficult to read.
- It is not always up-to-date, as it was published before the current Russian presidential election.
- It does not provide a lot of personal insights into Putin’s life or psychology.
Learn more about the author
Masha Gessen is a Russian-American journalist, author and translator. She has written several books on Russia, including The Man Without a Face: the Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin.
Reader Reviews
“This superb book by Masha Gessen is the best I have read on Vladimir Putin and his cronies. It is exhaustively researched, well written, and brilliantly insightful. The portrait that emerges of Russia’s semiliterate president-for-life is not a pretty one.”
“Masha Gessen has written a riveting and frightening account of how Vladimir Putin rose to power in Russia and what that means for the rest of the world. It’s essential reading for anyone who wants to understand one of the most enigmatic and dangerous leaders on the international stage today.”
“Masha Gessen lays out the life of Vladimir Putin in a clear and concise manner. The story she tells is one of an ambitious man with no moral compass who will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on power. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the most enigmatic politician of our time.”
“This is the best biography I have ever read on Putin. It’s not just a dry recounting of his life, but also an exploration of how he thinks and why he does what he does. Masha Gessen has written incisively about Russian politics for many years, and here she shows herself to be at the top of her game.”
