Russia Starts Here: Real Lives in the Ruins of Empire

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Why do ordinary people support Putin Why does Russia act so aggressively abroad How fragile is the regime

In Russia Starts Here, Howard Amos paints a fascinating portrait of the lives of ordinary Russians, introducing us to a cast of colourful characters nestled on the fringes of North-Eastern Europe. These include a powerful cleric close to Vladimir Putin; a chameleon-like local politician; a photographer capturing the bleak struggle of everyday Russian life on his iPhone; and a horse riding enthusiast eking out a living in the ruins of a huge aristocratic estate.

Though in many ways their stories are typical of post-Soviet Russia, the locals Howard meets also have much in common with those in Americas Rust Belt or parts of Northern England people who have been marginalised and forgotten. Through these encounters, Amos provides the reader with a unique window on the Russian psyche.

He shows how the twin catastrophes of the Second World War and the collapse of the Soviet Union still loom large in the minds of modern Russians, why they distrust their European neighbours after centuries of invasion and aggression, and the intoxicating appeal of strong leadership amidst a spiralling cycle of rural abandonment, poverty and lack of opportunity. This is a vital depiction of life in this vast and mysterious nation.

Reviews

Armed with years of firsthand experience and knowledge, Howard Amos draws a compelling and unsparing account of the lives of many ordinary, and extraordinary, Russians, delivering their stories of disillusionment, hope, love, and memories in an unflinching style laced with both cynicism and empathy. Truly kaleidoscopic and unique in its reach, this is a superbly written and unusual book that is sometimes difficult to read but is ultimately absolutely unforgettable. -- Caroline Eden, author of 'Cold Kitchen'
An exquisitely observed and subtle portrait of a key region of Russia which throws light on the character of the country as a whole. Here are the roots of autocracy and war, but also of heroic resistance, selflessness and survival. Full of empathy, Amos refuses easy stereotypes. This is a penetrating study which confronts the violence, manipulation and injustice at the heart of modern Russia while brimming with humanity and insight. -- Tom Parfitt, author of 'High Caucasus'

Author Bio

Howard Amos is a journalist and editor for leading magazines and newspapers. His articles have been published regularly in media outlets including The Guardian, The Telegraph, Newsweek, Foreign Policy, and Politico.

Interested in analysing the complexities of modern Russia, his work includes a review of a new Putin biography for Foreign Policy, an investigative report into bloody riots in Odessa for The Guardian and the history of Russias shattered aristocratic families for The Moscow Times.