Solzhenitsyn is amazing - a favorite.
First read this book almost 13 years ago in a version that Solzhenitsyn had self-censored in hopes of getting it published in the USSR - which didn't happen. This - the full version - became available in English translation a few years ago. Delightful re-read; the full version is an improvement (though I was thoroughly satisfied with the first version that I had read).
Not difficult to see why many compare his works to those of Dostoevsky - prolonged discussions of ethical or philosophical matters; stand-alone chapters; many characters interacting.
Solzhenitsyn so effective at weaving into the story the effects of the socialist system on persons from all walks of Russian life - not just the prisoners - returning veterans, stranded spouses (typically wives), the stress on the jailers and officials, Stalin's loneliness, etc. Pretty much everything corrupted.
Innokenty's decision. Lubyanka.
Zeks in the sharaska live so well compared to the camps (after all, it's only the First Circle! (yes it's a Dante allusion)) - but facing ethical decisions - typically the scientific projects involved devices used to imprison folks! - is it ethical to assist with this project - when succeeding at it might be the zek's only hope of ever being released from the gulag (with profound positive implications not just for the zek - but also for the stranded spouse and other family members)? Returning to the camps if fail or refuse to cooperate?
Main character is Gleb Nerzhin (imprisoned mostly for having spent time as a POW in a German camp) - he faces this ethical issue. As do Sologdin and Gerasimovich. Gleb discussing ideas with various folks as he tries to find his way. As the story progresses, Gleb interacts more and more with Spiridon - a peasant whose story line illustrates the ways that those folks lived through those times, for better or worse. Some folk wisdom.
Excellent throughout but - as I felt in the first reading - the chapter where Gleb is visited by his spouse (Nadya) - is just a knockout, heartbreaking. Solzhenitsyn knew about this, had experienced it. (Following chapter - where Gerasimovich is visited by his spouse - also very fine.)
One of my favorite bloggers recently read this book for his first time, loved it, did a virtual book club on it - so I listened to a couple podcasts - I hadn't realized that Solzhenitsyn's personal background incorporated so many elements of this story. What a life he led.
The letters from Dyrsin's wife.
Rubin - dedicated communist yet well-liked.
The "relationship" decisions faced by the prisoner and the spouse over so many years - continued marriage to a prisoner almost certainly preventing meaningful education or employment - and opportunities with others - ach.
Etc. Wonderful - a gift to run across works like this.
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