The Man Without a Face by Masha Gessen is a deep dive into the life and controversial past of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Gessen examines his rise to power, his connections with corruption, and his active involvement in criminal activities, such as bribery, nepotism, and the theft of public funds. She highlights Putin's role in the shady dealings around export licenses and his personal wealth accumulation through ill-gotten gains. The book also explores the dark political climate of Russia under Putin's rule, touching on incidents like the assassination of journalist Anna Politkovskaya and other dissidents. Gessen, who once lived in Russia and feels the danger of exposing these truths, paints a picture of Putin as a manipulative figure who maintains power through fear, propaganda, and the illusion of patriotism. Despite the corruption, his tough, "man of the people" persona keeps him in control, though Gessen suggests this facade may not last forever.
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