Retribution: A Former US Marine's Harrowing Journey from Wrongful Imprisonment in Russia to the Front Lines of the Ukrainian War by Trevor Reed and Jim DeFelice

Trevor Reed's "Retribution" is a fascinating look at the life of a young American Marine who found himself in a situation few could have predicted. The book is broken down into a few sections, but the initial, largest, part deals with Reed's background and history, growing up, enlisting in the Marines, then doing contract work overseas, and finally moving to Russia to learn the language and start a new chapter of his life, possible with his then Russian girlfriend. Unfortunately, the night before he was due to depart, he drank too much, blacked out, and the next morning was accused of assaulting a police office, for which there was no real evidence and any evidence that pointed to the contrary was summarily dismissed by the judge during his trial. 

The rest of the book traces his experiences going through the Kafkaesque Russian justice system, including spending years in Russian jail(s) and a labor camp. For those familiar with Russia in general, there is still plenty to appreciate about Reed's experiences and the mentality of the numerous Russians (prisoners, wardens, officials, FSB agents, prison guards, etc.) that he encountered along the way. The Russian prison system (in some ways similar to the US system) is a world onto itself with its own set of unwritten rules. Finally, after some three years, thanks to the desperate efforts of his parents and Lina, his Russian girlfriend, an arrangement was made for his exchange with a Russian prisoner.

The final half dozen or so chapters deal with his recovery in the states (he had lost a significant amount of weight and, inevitably, muscle) and decision to volunteer on behalf of Ukraine's war effort. Here, I think the fog of war and the mundane reality of wartime experiences on the frontline and in the rear took a toll on his memory and we don't have as much detail as I'm sure many would like. Still, what Reed does share really puts into perspective the type of warfare that has become the norm in the war in Ukraine - one relying on small unit actions and an overabundance of artillery, mortars, and drone warfare. Overall, a worthwhile read for those interested in the modern day war in Ukraine and what some have experienced going through the Russian 'justice' system and its prison environment.