In a few days a new book will appear on the shelves of Russia’s bookstores – memoirs written by Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his co-author, prominent Russian journalist Natalia Gevorkyan.

Khodorkovsky asks readers not to consider “Prison and Freedom” as a complete autobiography or the results summing up . For that the time hasn’t come yet, he says. Then what is it? “Unlike professional writers, I write not because ‘I cannot not write’, but in order to make an impact on the situation in the direction I see fit. Writing is today’s most accessible way to make such an impact.”

The titles of the book’s 15 chapters speak for themselves: Politics, The golden time of bankers-amateurs, Big business, 1998, After Yeltsin, Under Putin, The country is changing vector.

The largest section of the book deals with the history of Russia and the history of Yukos, relationships with colleagues and competitors, and Khodorkovsky’s balanced view and unwavering political position.

“The authorities are afraid and do not believe that, once free, Khodorkovsky will not retaliate, will not try to return his property, will not become ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’”, writes Natalia Gevorkyan. “The authorities do not believe, even though Khodorkovsky not just once or twice publicly stated that he has closed that chapter of his life and that he has very different plans for the future. I believe that he has other interests and plans, I do not think he is going to take revenge, but I’m certain that Khodorkovsky will not forget and will not forgive those years erased from his life by the will of another.”

The last chapter “Russia’s Future” is a program for the development of the country, the author notes ironically: “Nevertheless, I will continue to give unsolicited advice.”

Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Prison and Freedom – M.: Howard Roark, 2012 – 400