memoirs / V. Shumeiko. – M.: Publishing house "SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY", 2025. – 260 p.
ISBN 978-5-908031-80-6
Vladimir Filippovich Shumeiko, the first Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (1994–1996), was considered a close associate of Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin. In his memoirs, this prominent Russian politician and statesman of the early to mid-90s, who held the third-highest government post, recounts a turning point in the country's history. He particularly explores his role in the formation and organization of a previously nonexistent body of supreme state power—the upper house of the Russian parliament. The author's observations and assessments are those of a co-author of the history of that time, which largely shaped the Russia of today.
The author's focus includes some of the reasons for the collapse of the Soviet Union, which he calls a geopolitical shipwreck, the specifics of his work as Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian government, the contribution of the social movement he founded, "Reforms – New Course," to B.N. Yeltsin's victory in the 1996 presidential election, and much more. He does not claim to offer a comprehensive study or scholarly analysis of the events and phenomena of that time, but rather seeks to add his own unique touches—unique as a fingerprint—to the well-known palette of those years, to open the door to the "kitchen" of big-time Russian politics, and to offer "recipes" for some of the political dishes he not only cooked himself but also tasted, and even endured those prepared by other "chefs."
The author's fingerprints are clearly visible on literally everything he touches and everything he talks about. And perhaps most importantly, he has a unique style of presentation, characteristic only of Vladimir Filippovich: light, relaxed, full of humor—including self-deprecating humor—and worldly wisdom, right down to his self-invented epitaph. It's no coincidence that he defined the form of his memoirs as a "conversation with myself"—thus, not even hinting, but directly indicating his honesty with the reader, as a conversation with oneself presupposes complete candor.
The book's title, "Incredible Love," carries a profound hidden meaning that reflects the main plot of the story. But it's best to discover this meaning for yourself by reading V.F. Shumeiko's memoirs.
