A review by khoystoboy
The First Circle by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

No page is just filler. Even though this book is 700 pages and only set over around 4 days, it is extremely rich and has the classic Solzhenistyn cast of characters (that is, a lot, but the character list certainly helps). I also thoroughly enjoyed the perspectives from Stalin, Abakumov, and the other various prison officers and free workers. There's even a little bit of romance if nothing else will keep you reading.