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Vladimir Kara-Murza Announces Memoir “One Day Free” for May 18 Release
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Upcoming Publication
Public Affairs, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, confirmed that the memoir “One Day Free” by Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza will be published on May 18. The book is billed as a personal testimony and historical chronicle covering the past 25 years of life under President Vladimir Putin.
Background and Context
Kara-Murza, 45, is a longtime activist, journalist, and filmmaker who has been a vocal critic of the Kremlin. He was arrested in 2022 after publicly opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and sentenced to 25 years in prison. While incarcerated, he endured 11 months of solitary confinement in Siberia, survived two alleged poisonings, and won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary on his contributions to *The Washington Post*. In 2024 he was released as part of a prisoner exchange and now resides in the United States, serving as vice-chairman of Open Russia, a pro-democracy NGO founded by exiled oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
Official Statements and Responses
He added that despite his experiences, he remains optimistic about Russia’s future, noting historical examples of tyrannies that have transitioned to peaceful democracies.
Significance and Anticipated Impact
The book is expected to provide a rare insider’s perspective on the mechanisms of authoritarian control in Russia, as well as the international networks that have supported or resisted the regime. Analysts suggest that Kara-Murza’s firsthand account could inform Western policy discussions and bolster the morale of Russian dissidents.
Publication Details
“One Day Free” will be released in hardcover and ebook formats through Public Affairs. The imprint plans a coordinated launch campaign in the United States, with additional distribution slated for international markets later in 2026.