Hey, just in case your question goes unnoticed, I found a couple previously-posted questions in the archives that touches on what you're looking for.

Book recommendations: History of Russia

This post has the most responses, by far, but most are not general interest or don't cover the whole history of Russia.

And this suggestion, Paul Bushkovitch - A Concise History of Russia, seems closest to your needs.

A second post asked specifically for books on the complete history of the country, though received a mere two responses. But they may be gold, i'm just not sure:

My dear historians! What is a good book on the complete history of Russia and how it developed, which is engaging and interesting?

Edit: Here is another possibility I located on an old discussion on the Master Book List. It didn't seem to make the Books and Resources sidebar list, though (and the section on Russia therein is sadly deficient and really deserves some better contribution):

Natasha's Dance by Orlando Figes is a very readable record of Russian history and cultural identity, from Peter the Great to the Soviet Union.

Hope it helps. And hope your nephew finds something inspiring to read.