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Title:
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One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich |
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Authors:
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Solzhenitsyn, Alexander |
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Genre:
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Fiction |
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Pages:
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143 |
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Year:
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1963 |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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This old favourite in a new Penguin jacket shook Russia and the world when it first appeared. It provides a brutal and shattering glimpse of the fate of millions of Russians under Stalin. Reading this book, one enters a world of incarceration, brutality, manual labour, and freezing cold - and participates in the struggle of men to survive the terrible rigours of nature, and the inhumanity of the system that defines their conditions of life.
Comments from Groups: Despite the harsh subject matter, this book was well-received by our readers. Much of the discussion centred around issues of human dignity, and the ability to survive under extreme oppression. The historical context was significant. It was an excellent introduction to Solzhenitsyn and Russian history. Dunedin 029 No one could say they enjoyed it, but as a study of one side of Russia, all were 'educated'. Stratford 001 The group all really enjoyed this book, even though it was a very sad topic. Extremely well written with outstanding notes. Otautau 001 Most of the group enjoyed it, and the discussion went well. Wellington 141 A couple of people found this book really depressing, but the majority enjoyed it and liked the style of writing. You could see why it rocked the literary world when first published!! Christchurch 099
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Categories:
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Fiction, Historical, Short read, Social commentary/perspectives, Russia |
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Reviews
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By: HAMIL 012
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2024-06-20 10:19:53 |
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Great book, a timeless read appropriate to many situations now. |
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By: WELL 047
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2024-06-20 10:19:09 |
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The majority of the group were surprised at how much they enjoyed this book. Amazing story of survival. |
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By: DUNED 036
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2024-06-20 10:17:59 |
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Half the group really enjoyed the book, the other half didn't find it engaging. Very interesting split responses. |
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By: TAUR 026
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2024-06-20 10:17:02 |
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Well-written with a great ending. Thought provoking and made us appreciate our lives. |
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By: PUKEK 001
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2024-06-20 10:15:59 |
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We enjoyed the book very much. We really admired Solzhenitsyn and thought he portrayed an optimism and resilience of spirit which is quite amazing. Despite the most appalling circumstances Denisovich and his fellow prisoners displayed the most wonderful traits of stoicism and endurance, and we had a feeling of great admiration of the prisoners' acceptance of their situation. |
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By: PALMN 002
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2024-06-20 10:11:40 |
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We rated it well despite its dire content that was hard to take during the Covid lockdown. One member said " I was very interested in the content despite feeling I should just be upset about it instead". |
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By: LOWER 008
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2024-06-20 10:09:50 |
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Amazing tale of survival and the strength of the human spirit. A book everyone should read. |
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By: MAST 014
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2022-04-22 15:11:38 |
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Overall our group enjoyed the book. We were in awe of how positive the character of Ivan was while enduring such harsh conditions. The psychology of survival was fascinating. Some parts were a little tedious but otherwise it was very informative. |
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