Once upon a Time in Russia: The Rise of the Oligarchs—a True Story of Ambition, Wealth, Betrayal, and Murder

Voice actor Bobb’s calm and leveled reading anchors this nearly unbelievable but true story of the swift rise to—and eventual fall from—power and wealth of two billionaire oligarchs in post-Communist Russia. In the feeding frenzy after the Soviet Union’s 1991 collapse, venal businessmen grew rich as the bankrupt government sold state-owned companies at fire-sale prices. Boris Berezovsky, a one-time academic and used-car salesman, was an early beneficiary and mentor to Roman Abramovich, a talented young entrepreneur. Both flourished until Vladimir Putin became premier in 1999. Along the way are attempted assassinations, bombings, murders, and corruption. Given the over-the-top events depicted in the book, Bobb makes the perfect choice of reading in the manner of a detached reporter. He allows the material to dominate the reading without attempting to embellish or grandstand with accents or dramatizations. The story speaks for itself in this solid audio edition. An Atria hardcover. (June)