Elena Kostyuchenko, a fearless journalist and vocal critic of the Russian government, has dedicated her career to uncovering truths amid adversity. For nearly two decades, she reported for a Moscow-based opposition newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, bravely confronting the dire realities of Putin's authoritarian regime. Despite facing assault, arrest, and exile, Kostyuchenko remained steadfast in her commitment to exposing injustices and amplifying marginalized voices.

Her resilience was put to the test when she fell seriously ill last October, believed to be a victim of poisoning orchestrated by Russian state agents. Though her health suffered, Kostyuchenko's resolve only strengthened, fueling her determination to shed light on Russia's descent into fascism and the harrowing challenges faced by its citizens. Alongside personal health threats, Kostyuchenko tragically experienced the loss of several colleagues and fellow journalists who were targeted and murdered in brutal attacks, underscoring the grave risks faced by those who dare to speak truth to power in Russia's hostile media landscape. Through her unwavering courage and unflinching honesty, Kostyuchenko emerged as a beacon of truth in a country besieged by oppression and censorship.

About "I Love Russia: Reporting from a Lost Country":

In her gripping memoir, "I Love Russia: Reporting from a Lost Country," Elena Kostyuchenko offers a searing indictment of Putin's Russia while illuminating the resilience and humanity of its people. Through vivid prose and firsthand accounts, Kostyuchenko chronicles her tumultuous journey as a journalist in a country rife with corruption, censorship, and state-sanctioned violence.

The book serves as a poignant reflection on Russia's descent into authoritarianism, tracing the erosion of civil liberties and the marginalization of dissenting voices. From the brutal suppression of indigenous cultures to the persecution of LGBTQ individuals, Kostyuchenko exposes the systemic injustices that permeate Russian society. Yet amidst the darkness, she finds moments of courage, compassion, and hope, highlighting the enduring spirit of resilience that persists even in the face of tyranny.

"I Love Russia" is a powerful testament to the enduring power of journalism and the urgent need for truth in an era of misinformation and propaganda. Through her unflinching portrayal of life in Putin's Russia, Kostyuchenko invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths and bear witness to the struggle for freedom and justice in a country teetering on the brink of darkness.

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Thank you to our Co-Sponsors: Center for Languages and Cultures, Glimpse from the Globe, USC Dornsife Department of Political Science and International Relations, USC Dornsife Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, USC Dornsife Global Policy Institute, and USC Human Rights Advocacy Group.