The Magician of the Kremlin by Italian-Swiss writer, journalist and politician Giuliano da Empoli deals with a modern history of Russia. For Arab readers, the novel is informative and enjoyably recounts a journey through Russia's history over the past 30 years.
Various historical figures emerge including comrades in the army and Putin's opponents such as Boris Berezovsky and Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who were overthrown like chess pieces. However, they disappear from the story as soon as they progress on their journey.