Why people recommend it
Putin's People by Catherine Belton is a sweeping investigative non-fiction work that traces the rise of Vladimir Putin and the inner circle of former KGB operatives who seized control of Russia's economy and political apparatus. On the August 28, 2026 episode of The Book Review podcast, titled Book Club: Let’s Talk About ‘London Falling’, guest Jennifer Szalai recommended the book during the discussion. Szalai brought up the non-fiction title as an essential companion for readers looking to understand broader geopolitical contexts. She clarified to listeners that while the book is not specifically focused on the city of London alone, it provides crucial background information for understanding international power dynamics and Russian influence abroad. Szalai recommended the investigative study for anyone seeking to comprehend the wider economic and political forces connected to contemporary Russian history. By integrating Belton's meticulously researched book into a conversation about urban life and crime, the podcast provided listeners with a rigorous analytical tool for understanding how modern authoritarian power operates on a global scale, linking local events to massive international financial networks.
Who recommended it
- Jennifer Szalai Recommended
Jennifer Szalai — 1 mention
“So, there's a uh non-fiction book. It's not specifically about London, but it's called Putin's People by Katherine Belton.”