The Exile: Sex, Drugs, and Libel in the New Russia

The Exile: Sex, Drugs, and Libel in the New Russia chronicles Mark Ames's experiences running an English-language newspaper in post-Soviet Moscow during the 1990s. The memoir, co-authored with Matt Taibbi, captures the chaotic atmosphere of Russia's transition to capitalism through their controversial publication The eXile. The book compiles selected articles from the newspaper's first year alongside personal accounts of navigating Russian media culture, bureaucracy, and expatriate life. Legal challenges delayed its publication until 2000, when Grove Press finally released it with a foreword by Edward Limonov. The content sparked significant debate upon release, with critics divided over its portrayal of Russian society and expatriate behavior in the post-Soviet era. The book's frank discussion of sex, substance use, and journalistic ethics generated controversy both at the time of publication and years later. This raw account of 1990s Moscow serves as both a time capsule of a unique historical moment and an examination of how Western observers interpreted Russia's dramatic transformation. The narrative raises questions about journalistic responsibility, cultural exploitation, and the complex dynamics between foreign correspondents and their adopted environments.

Readers describe this book as a raw, unflinching account of 1990s expatriate life in Moscow that makes many uncomfortable. The book has developed a cult following among readers interested in post-Soviet Russia. Positive reviews praise: - The brutal honesty about Western behavior in 1990s Moscow - The dark humor and unapologetic writing style - Its value as a historical document of a specific time/place Common criticisms include: - Misogynistic content and attitudes - The author's self-indulgent tone - Graphic descriptions of sex and drug use that some find gratuitous - Questions about truthfulness of events described Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (50+ ratings) One reader called it "the most honest book ever written about Americans abroad." Another described it as "repulsive but compelling." Several reviewers noted they felt "guilty for enjoying it" given its controversial content.

Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia by Peter Pomerantsev Documents life in Putin's Russia through the lens of a TV producer navigating Moscow's media landscape and power structures.

Lenin's Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire by David Remnick Chronicles the collapse of the Soviet Union through firsthand reporting and interviews with key figures during the transition period.

Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West by Keir Giles Examines Russia's relationship with Western nations through the experiences of diplomats and journalists stationed in Moscow.

Vodka Politics: Alcohol, Autocracy, and the Secret History of the Russian State by Mark Lawrence Schrad Explores the role of alcohol in Russian society and politics from the tsarist era through the post-Soviet period.

Down and Out in Moscow and Mumbai by Jeremy Atiyah Presents parallel narratives of life in two rapidly changing cities during the 1990s through the perspective of a foreign correspondent.

🔹 The eXile newspaper operated from 1997 to 2008, beginning as a print publication before being forced to move online following pressure from Russian authorities. 🔹 Mark Ames co-founded The eXile with Matt Taibbi, who later became famous for his work at Rolling Stone magazine and his coverage of the 2008 financial crisis. 🔹 The newspaper gained notoriety for combining serious investigative journalism about corruption with outrageous satirical pieces, making it sometimes difficult for readers to distinguish fact from fiction. 🔹 During its run, The eXile exposed several major stories, including fraudulent practices by Western business consultants in Russia and the hidden connections between oligarchs and American advisers. 🔹 The book's publication in 2000 led to legal challenges from several individuals mentioned in its pages, particularly regarding its descriptions of Moscow's expatriate community during the 1990s.