60 pages • 2 hours read
Anne ApplebaumGulag: A History
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Gulag by Anne Applebaum is a comprehensive examination of the Soviet Union's forced labor camp system from its inception in the early 1920s to its dissolution post-World War II. Using archival research and first-person accounts, Applebaum explores the ideological and political roots of the Gulag, the brutal day-to-day realities faced by prisoners, and the system's eventual decline. The book highlights themes of state repression, the intersection of ideology and power, and human resilience. The book discusses forced labor, systemic torture, political repression, physical and psychological suffering, sexual violence, and suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Gulag by Anne Applebaum excels in its thorough research and compelling narrative, offering an exhaustive history of Soviet labor camps. Critics commend its depth and engaging prose but note the extensive detail can be overwhelming. Overall, it's a vital, well-documented account of a dark chapter in history.
Who Should Read Gulag?
Readers fascinated by history, especially Soviet-era studies, will find Anne Applebaum's Gulag captivating. This comprehensive examination of the USSR’s prison camp system appeals to those who enjoyed Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago and Orwell's 1984. Ideal for anyone seeking a profound understanding of oppressive regimes.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
History: European
History: World
Military / War
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Society: Class
Society: Politics & Government
Russian Literature