The Showman

Inside the Invasion That Shook the World and Made a Leader of Volodymyr Zelensky

By: Simon Shuster

Narrated by: Daniel Gamburg

Acclaimed journalist Simon Shuster gives us the first inside account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the perspective of President Volodymyr Zelensky and his team, who granted him unprecedented access.

Time correspondent Simon Shuster chronicles the life and wartime leadership of Volodymyr Zelensky from the dressing rooms of his variety show in Ukraine to the muddy trenches of his war with Russia. Based on four years of reporting; extensive travels with President Zelensky to the front; and dozens of interviews with him, his wife, his friends and enemies, his advisers, ministers and military commanders, The Showman tells an intimate and eye-opening story of the President’s evolution from a slapstick actor to a symbol of resilience, revealing how he managed to rally the world’s democracies behind his cause.

The book’s early chapters offer the first detailed account of Zelensky’s life in a nuclear bunker in the opening weeks of the invasion and the circumstances of his wife’s escape to safety with their children. Later, as the Russians retreat from Kyiv, we see Zelensky and his team emerge from the bunker and lead Ukraine in a series of crucial victories. The result is a riveting, up-close picture of the invasion as experienced by its number one target and improbable hero.

Clear-eyed about the President’s early failures as a peacemaker and his willingness to silence political dissent, the book offers a complex picture of a man struggling to break what he sees as a historical cycle of oppression that began generations before he was born. Even as the war drags on, Zelensky lays out his vision for its future course and, through his actions, demonstrates his strategy for countering the Russians and keeping the West on his side.

The Showman, as a work of eyewitness journalism, provides an essential perspective on the war defining our age. As a study in leadership and human resolve, its appeal is timeless and universal.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

great accompaniment to Bob Woodwards "War"

outstanding portrait of a man we saw in the news.
finished in one day, that's how captivating it was

Few stood against many

This book captures the complexity of Ukraine’s resistance to Russia while not losing sight of the incredible sacrifice such heroism requires

Amazing and very informative

Absolutely love this book and the true store being told (since I’m Ukrainian American and is helping my motherland and know many details

Respect and admiration

Please listen to the book. I liked the most not creating an idol, but respecting the real man, learning to be bigger than just a man.

Comprehensive and Balanced

An excellent first draft of The New Ukraine and its first genuinely freely-elected President. The author describes the Zelenskyy's background, election, and transformation under fire during the first year of the full-scale Russian invasion of 2022, as well as during the previous 8 years of the Russian occupation of Crimea and The Donbas. The author obtained excellent access to the president and his aides during many critical times. The biographical information provides insight into the motivation and aspirations of this successful performer-turned-president. The future still remains uncertain for him and his country, but this book will establish the foundation for understanding this remarkable man during this pivotal moment in world history.

Informative and interesting

Well written and read. Facts and history of Ukraine conflict and people but also filled with astute personal interviews. Objective and perceptive. Would love a follow up book. Very glad I purchased this book, learned a lot.

Cuts through the war propaganda fog!

What an excellent book! Valuable information regarding the conflict that you will never read in the NYT, WaPo, or see on the silly cable and network news channels.
Required reading for anyone who is paying attention to this war and taking a position.
The fact that this book could be published at all is encouraging. Free speech content that no doubt is going ruffle the feathers of many of our power brokers and political overloards.

Great development of personality

I have only positive things to say about the book Definitely worth the listen. Much learned about Russia

Incredible reporting and writing

I really, really enjoyed this book. It’s an interesting and engaging read. I’ve read Simon Shuster’s articles before, but still, I always find his writing and voice refreshing in its frankness while still making you feel like you’re there in the action with him, in the bunker, listening in on his interviews, or trudging through a field near the Russian border in Ukraine. It’s an enlightening story of a comedian-turned-politician and his country, and the challenges his team and country faced before and throughout his term and during the war. But it’s also about so much more. Highly recommend.

Good reporting, non jugements

The author doesn’t make Z a hero, he sees a man and his evolution in the circumstances. He doesn’t label behavior and attitudes, but shoes them as objectively as he can. 5 баллов