Scan barcode
A review by hank
In the First Circle by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
3.0
It is unlikely that I will say anything about Solzhenitsyn that others have not so I will just ramble with my own thoughts in hopes that if my future self reads this I will be reminded of some of the good parts.
As with most impactful philosophy Solzhenitsyn's was forged (lame, overused word) by his own experiences. His personally, particular genre is humanity created via Russian prison camps. Both of his better known works [b:One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch|27188929|One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch|Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1450368727l/27188929._SX50_.jpg|838042] and [b:The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956|70561|The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956 (Abridged)|Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388293026l/70561._SY75_.jpg|2944012] are also based in and on gulags. I read this one because it was on sale from Audible.
In the First Circle is fictional although largely autobiographical which made it that much more personal. The premise is a group of scientists being forced to work for their oppressors to further enable their ability to oppress. All sorts of easily graspable moral choices are presented such as the fact that none of them want to help communist Russia but the conditions in this sharaska are far better than if they refused or the oppression the necessary prisoners inflict on the transient ones.
More complex commentary about communism and Stalin are sprinkled throughout the book with the ultimate conclusion that if you take everything away, you now, no longer, have any control.
Similar to Ivan Denisovitch, the characters struggle to hold on to whatever dignity they deem to have left. There are reflections on how each prisoner has treated their families, how each one has stayed or not stayed true to their beliefs or how each one approaches basic human existence.
This book was long and although I am glad I read it and think that having read it, it gives more weight and understanding to Solzhenitsyn quotes, it was probably better read in the early 70s when debates about communism were fresher although his thoughts on human dignity and motivations will be insightful forever.
3.5 stars rounded down.
As with most impactful philosophy Solzhenitsyn's was forged (lame, overused word) by his own experiences. His personally, particular genre is humanity created via Russian prison camps. Both of his better known works [b:One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch|27188929|One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch|Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1450368727l/27188929._SX50_.jpg|838042] and [b:The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956|70561|The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956 (Abridged)|Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388293026l/70561._SY75_.jpg|2944012] are also based in and on gulags. I read this one because it was on sale from Audible.
In the First Circle is fictional although largely autobiographical which made it that much more personal. The premise is a group of scientists being forced to work for their oppressors to further enable their ability to oppress. All sorts of easily graspable moral choices are presented such as the fact that none of them want to help communist Russia but the conditions in this sharaska are far better than if they refused or the oppression the necessary prisoners inflict on the transient ones.
More complex commentary about communism and Stalin are sprinkled throughout the book with the ultimate conclusion that if you take everything away, you now, no longer, have any control.
Similar to Ivan Denisovitch, the characters struggle to hold on to whatever dignity they deem to have left. There are reflections on how each prisoner has treated their families, how each one has stayed or not stayed true to their beliefs or how each one approaches basic human existence.
This book was long and although I am glad I read it and think that having read it, it gives more weight and understanding to Solzhenitsyn quotes, it was probably better read in the early 70s when debates about communism were fresher although his thoughts on human dignity and motivations will be insightful forever.
3.5 stars rounded down.