The Story of Russia

The Story of Russia by Orlando Figes offers an expansive exploration of Russian history, meticulously tracing its evolution over a millennium. Figes delves into the complexities of Russia's past, highlighting how historical narratives have shaped contemporary political dynamics, particularly in the context of Vladimir Putin's regime.

The Themes

The work intricately examines themes such as:

• The Influence of Myth: Figes discusses how myths surrounding Russia’s historical figures and events have been manipulated to serve modern political agendas.
• Autocracy and Power: The book scrutinises the recurring patterns of autocratic rule throughout Russian history, drawing parallels between past and present.
• National Identity: Figes investigates how the Russian national identity has been constructed and reconstructed over centuries.

The Writing Style

Figes’ narrative is characterised by its engaging prose and profound insights, making complex historical events accessible to a broad audience. His ability to weave personal stories with broader historical contexts enriches the reader's understanding of Russia's intricate tapestry.

Literary Merit

Renowned for his scholarly approach, Figes brings a lifetime of scholarship to a compelling narrative style. Readers keen to understand Russia’s past and present will find this book enlightening, reinforcing Figes’ reputation as a leading historian of Russia.

“[An] excellent short study” – Max Hastings, Sunday Times