Jana Bakunina – ‘The Good Russian: In Search of a Nation’s Soul’

Not just historical fiction, this evocative exploration of contemporary Russia blends personal memoir with incisive cultural and political observation, taking readers deep into the heart of a nation at war with itself. After Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Jana Bakunina (1999, Economics & Management) returned to her milieu to understand how ordinary Russians perceive the conflict and threat of war, how national identity endures under authoritarian pressure, and whether the ‘soul’ of her country has been diminished or transformed by modern forces. Through vivid encounters with old friends, family, and everyday citizens – including her once-liberal father, who has since embraced the regime – The Good Russian offers a nuanced and humane image of life inside wartime Russia, wrestling with themes of loyalty and conscience.

Described by Simon Kuper (Financial Times) as “a unique and necessary book”, and praised for its honesty and humanity, this volume pushes past ordinary narratives to illuminate the lived realities of Russians today. Anchored in Bakunina’s own voice and experience – at once courageous and reflective – The Good Russian is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand national identity, the personal costs of political upheaval, and the hope (or limits of hope) for a liberated future.

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