The Gulag Archipelago: (Abridged edition)

Previously I heard the name of the book, and the writer as well, mentioned here and there. But reading Jordan B Peterson's "12 Rules For Life" made me realize the true importance of this one of a kind literary achievement. The writer was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature but that aside, this is perhaps the singular important documented example of human determination and courage of the bloody twentieth century. Soviet Gulags (similar to nazi concentration camps) are one of the most inhuman experiments executed by "civilized" human beings and the writer himself was a first-hand victim of the experiment. He not only has provided an elaborate description of those man-made hells, but where lies the actual brilliance of this book is: he tries to explore the Significance and Meaning of his anguished experience. Why did he suffer so much without any tangible reason? What is the significance of being horribly tortured by a fellow human being? Read this book with utmost seriousness because make no mistake, history never repeats itself without giving any hint beforehand. PS- This Vintage Classic edition is an one-volume abridged version of the three-volume original one. And the abridgement is sanctioned by the author himself. Given the sheer volume of the original version (though not at all avoidable, if interest permits), this is very much suitable to read for a general reader.

Solzhenitsyn's meticulous documentation of the Gulag system serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of political repression. The work delves into the psychological and moral struggles faced by prisoners, emphasizing the dehumanizing effects of totalitarian rule.

Book received in good condition

A fine documentation of the dissolution of society and human nature by the extension of seemingly virtuous ideas. Powerful, and not always easy to read, but hugely important for anyone who wants to understand the nuanced structure of society and people and how it can transform into a horrible nightmare. Just read it!

A gruesome story of the Soviet prison camp system

I think this is my favourite book now. The book is of decent enough quality. Maybe I'll read three volumes in full someday.

This is a must read for all book lovers, not least if you are curious about socialism. This book will change your perspective and make a new human out of you, someone with a better grasp of the ways of the world. Two thumbs up! However, the seller (Bookhive) charged me Rs 200 extra for the book, which has a printed price of Rs 699 (see the picture). That’s the only gripe I have with the purchase.

This book has the capacity to change the inner of a human. Perfect for those who wants to study the dreadful history

The after effects are still being felt by most Russians especially the masses - rather discursive but author explains why, possibly poetic license as well

This has got to be one of the most eye opening books I have ever read. To be honest, I had never even heard of this book until Jordan Peterson mentioned it numerous times in his novels and lectures. I decided to give it a try. Communism is truly indefensible after reading this. The atrocities of the ideology are incredible. It reads like dystopian fiction, however it is all true. Make no mistake it is not an easy read due to its extreme dark content, but the book is also a near necessity to see just how far society can go. Its an important book to own, and not to be missed. The book is comprised of the authors own account of being imprisoned for ten years due to just knowing someone outside of Russia! It is also a compendium of some 200 other accounts of other people imprisoned, some killed. The book was written in secret and chronicles exactly how the mechanism of the archipelago functions. From brutal interrogations of countless people accused of falsities, to enduring horrific conditions as millions struggle to survive the camps. As speechless as I was after reading this, I feel obligated to encourage everyone to read this book.

I found this book fascinating and terrifying all at the same time. It filled in some of the gaps in my knowledge of how Marxism plays out in societies, and revealed the dangers of its continued popularity amongst some of our contemporaries in the wider culture. Truly, just a bad idea that will not seem to go away.

A very sombre and harsh review of the mallability of human behaviour and morals in times of great evil...necessary reading in these current times of political madness by some world 'leaders'...

Sûrement le meilleur livre que je lirai cette année, et on n'est qu'en mars.