I picked up The Gulag Archipelago recently just out of interest in historical nonfiction, and I have been so deeply affected by how relevant it feels (I am American). The book has received plenty of critical acclaim… I mean, Solzhenitsyn won the Nobel Prize in literature… but I hadn't even heard of this book until after a deep dive into Russian literature. I'm still early in reading it, but this seems like the book to read during this critical turning point in American and Russian history. It scares the crap out of me. Oh, and it's beautifully written and translated. What does r/books think about it?
Note: I'm reading the abridged version, which has been deemed more readable for those less familiar with the intricacies of Russian history.
by stevebabbins
5 Comments
It is a cool book alright
If I thought they would read it, I would send a copy to every member of congress.
I loved it and read “In the First Circle” next.
Wait until you read The Cancer Ward. All of his stuff is seeming crazy relevant these days.
Another book to read kolyma tales by varlam shalamov.