Death of a Dissident

The Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko and the Return of the KGB

By: Alex Goldfarb, Marina Litvinenko

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris

The assassination of former Russian intelligence officer Alexander "Sasha" Litvinenko in November 2006 -- poisoned by the rare radioactive element polonium -- caused an international sensation. Within a few short weeks, the fit forty-three-year-old lay gaunt, bald, and dying in a hospital, the victim of a "tiny nuclear bomb." Suspicions swirled around Russia's FSB, the successor to the KGB, and the Putin regime. Traces of polonium radiation were found in Germany and on certain airplanes, suggesting a travel route from Russia for the carriers of the fatal poison. But what really happened? What did Litvinenko know? And why was he killed?

The full story of Sasha Litvinenko's life and death is one that the Kremlin does not want told. His closest friend, Alex Goldfarb, and his widow, Marina, are the only two people who can tell it all, from firsthand knowledge, with dramatic scenes from Moscow to London to Washington. Death of a Dissident reads like a political thriller, yet its story is more fantastic and frightening than any novel.

Ever since 1998, when Litvinenko denounced the FSB for ordering him to assassinate tycoon Boris Berezovsky, he had devoted his life to exposing the FSB's darkest secrets. After a dramatic escape to London with Goldfarb's assistance, he spent six years, often working with Goldfarb, investigating a widening series of scandals. Oligarchs and journalists have been assassinated. Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yuschenko was poisoned on the campaign trail. The war in Chechnya became unspeakably harsh on both sides. Sasha Litvinenko investigated all of it, and he denounced his former employers in no uncertain terms for their dirty deeds.

Death of a Dissident opens a window into the dark heart of the Putin Kremlin. With its strong-arm tactics, tight control over the media, and penetration of all levels of government, the old KGB is back with a vengeance. Sasha Litvinenko dedicated his life to exposing this truth. It took his diabolical murder for the world to listen.©2007 Alex Goldfarb and Marina Litvinenko. All rights reserved; (P)2007 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

The Dissident

This is one of the best books I have ever read.Putin has been in power since the 90’s and up until his war crimes in Ukraine he has proven that he’s a cold blooded murderer. From mafia style assassinations to biological and chemical weapons he used then all. Some on his own people.

Truth will prevail and killers will be punished eventually!!

The series created after this story is also good!!
Ignoring crimes your are somehow approving them!!

Not looking hard enough at who

Overall enjoyed reading this book and remember when the story was on the news. Overall, Litvinenko was a target since Turkey in 1993 is my feeling talking to US consulate was why. 1993 was a time where Russia had problems with KGB and GRU exchanges and turn coating. The father and daughter in park in UK would be another example, of the idea that Russia has “everyone is a trader to London”. As for Litvinenko look no further then 1993; Palmetto Luxury hotel deal in Greece; Yuri & Artyom Chaika into Kavtun at orders of Putin as an explanation. It would have taken that long to get “Tang”tasting tea.

Very interesting and scary...

Any additional comments?

Putin is a dangerous man, beyond what most people understand of know. A must read given today's political environment.