The Vory

Russia's Super Mafia

By: Mark Galeotti

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

Mark Galeotti is the go-to expert on organized crime in Russia, consulted by governments and police around the world. Now, Western listeners can explore the fascinating history of the vory v zakone, a group that has survived and thrived amid the changes brought on by Stalinism, the Cold War, the Afghan War, and the end of the Soviet experiment.

The vory - as the Russian mafia is also known - was born early in the 20th century, largely in the Gulags and criminal camps, where they developed their unique culture. Identified by their signature tattoos, members abided by the thieves' code, a strict system that forbade all paid employment and cooperation with law enforcement and the state. Based on two decades of on-the-ground research, Galeotti's captivating study details the vory's journey to power from their early days to their adaptation to modern-day Russia's free-wheeling oligarchy and global opportunities beyond.

©2018 Mark Galeotti (P)2018 Tantor

Read like a history book

Read like an old history book. Yes it was detailed, but it was boring. I was hoping it’d get more detailed into specific activities that took place.

Solid Overview

Well written and well read overview of the Vory. Starts at the beginning centuries ago and brings the reader up to the state of the Vory in 2018. Discusses multiple perspectives and facets of the Vory, and its role in society, but could have gone deeper into the culture/spirit.

Solid, not great...

While there was some good information, there was a lot that didn't go deep enough. There are better books on this subject.

Solid read by Patterson.

Very good, not great

Narration was good. Info was good. Not as entertaining or bloody as I expected, though.

A must read to understand Russia today

To understand Russia today you must understand the deep complexity of Russian history. This work presents a perspective not found in a college Poli-Sci course.

Insightful, Informative, & Brilliantly Written

Mark Galeotti vividly illustrates his expertise on Russian Organized Crime and Post-Soviet Politics. Galeotti’s ability to communicate and organize this subject matter into a highly enjoyable narrative is truly impressive and pleasure to read!

Social Studies You Aren't Supposed To Know

This is valid social studies and part of human history. The human plight and capability. Very well documented and reader-friendly. Fascinating. Wherever you are parked in the world, this culture is likely within hours of you whether you recognize it or not. You don't have to be from N.Y.C. to grow up connected to some form of it. While we sit around America worrying if we might have "post-traumatic stress disorder", "ADD", "Chemical imbalances", this nation rose up from the gulags in Siberia against impossible odds of surviving. Men, women, and children. They have become a formidable and unkillable extroverted force. Seemingly inoculated against all social barriers and suppression. Shapeshifters that have one step into a magicality born from an enforced exile into the supernatural as the only room left with oxygen. This book is a journalistic masterpiece. Thank You Mark Galeotti. Standing Ovation! A labor of love.

Excellent

An excellent book by the most thoughtful Russia-watcher of our time. Galeotti avoids the distorting Russophobia and hyperbole that's in vogue in the Trump era.

Great those in the know and those not

Great book from a lifelong student of Russia! If you’re already steeped in Russian history, there is a lot of fascinating detail to add color to your understanding of the Vory. If it’s all knew to you, this will provide great context to today’s events that is interesting to hear!

Great

For a non-fiction book, this book keeps you engaged even with the amount of information being delivered. Also, the author jumps around in historical timelines but doesn’t loose you. The narrator is very easy to listen to, and has a clear voice that is not annoying. He is a great pick who seems to be able translate and understand the Russian language, but doesn’t overwhelm you with too many new foreign words.

The book is not politically bias so ignore the communist’s review. He/she is looking for fiction because lets remember the communist never believes communism has ever been tried.

The book however, gives historical, cultural, and contextual information which allows you to see the view from the mafia’s thought process. That’s it! Also this book does not glorify the mafia. The author is simply giving a historical account, and there is much to tell.