I, Putin

A Novel

By: Jennifer Ciotta

Narrated by: Paul Burt

What happens when Vladimir Putin is faced with a decision so harrowing it changes him forever? 118 submariners spiraling into the abyss, a country in chaos, and a president who seems not to care. Through the eyes of a first person Vladimir Putin, and his personal aide Gosha, discover what motivates the man behind Russia. Is he the cold, ruthless Vladimir Putin we know, or is he...human?

Honorable Mentions at New York Book Festival & Hollywood Book Festival

“It’s a novel that resembles the Russian president in many ways. It’s controversial in many ways, yet a lot of the things deserve nothing but admiration.” (Review Harbor)

Jennifer Ciotta received her Master degree in creative writing and Russian studies from the Gallatin School at New York University. She was a Peace Corps volunteer in Estonia, a main setting of the book.

©2012 Jennifer Ciotta (P)2020 Jennifer Ciotta

Bringing Putin's life alive

I am an avid reader. I tried a few audio books but was not impressed. When I learned that I, Putin was on audio, I decided to try again. I am glad I did. This book opened my eyes to what an audio book can do. It provided more levels of experience than just reading does. Certainly, the author of this book contributed much in understanding the life of Putin. And it contributed much understanding of the event she described. I would have enjoyed the reading the book, remembering the event and the feelings of dread that I felt at time when the explosion of the submarine happened. I would have learned much about Putin and Russia. But listening to the ‘voice’ of Putin and the father of the captain of the submarine took the experience to a new level. It brought the ‘I’ of I,Putin to life in a way that the book alone could not. I will certainly be looking for other audio books that allow me to feel that experience again.

Interesting Listen

This book kept my attention. It floated between different POVs; I especially enjoyed following Putin and the sailor trapped on the sunken submarine. Great narration by Paul Burt. I especially liked his portrayal of Bill Clinton.