The Long Hangover: Putin’s New Russia and the Ghosts of the Past

Actor Page brings a clear and relaxed style of reading to this eye-opening look at political machinations in modern-day Russia. Walker, Moscow correspondent for the Guardian, examines the way Vladimir Putin exploits a sanitized version of Russian history to solidify the country’s national identity under his leadership. Page reads in a breezy, conversational tone, which, along with his steady pacing, helps guide listeners through Walker’s dense political and historical analysis, jumping between Russian history and its present. Page also nails the pronunciations of Russian words, names, regions, and townships. It’s a skillful reading that renders Walker’s complex and provocative book into a comprehensive audio edition. An Oxford Univ. hardcover. (Jan.)