In The First Circle by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, post-World War II Moscow sees prisoner Lev Rubin among an elite group of scientists in a sharashka forced to identify state traitors for the Stalin regime. Tensions mount as the regime's corruption intensifies, leading Rubin and others to plan a revolt, which ends in their harsh punishment at Siberian gulags. The narrative highlights ethical dilemmas and systemic oppression. Contains themes of political persecution and torture.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

8,172 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's The First Circle is praised for its powerful depiction of life in a Soviet prison and its deep philosophical insights. Critics commend its rich character development and lyrical prose. However, its complex structure and dense narrative may be challenging for some readers. Overall, it remains a significant work in 20th-century literature.

Who Should Read The First Circle?

A reader who relishes deep dives into Soviet-era history, political intrigue, and moral philosophy will enjoy The First Circle by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 or Arthur Koestler's Darkness at Noon will find similar themes of state repression and human resilience.

4.4

8,172 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The First Circle was initially published in 1968 but was heavily censored by Soviet authorities; it wasn't released in its uncensored form until 2009.

The novel's title refers to Dante's "first circle" of Hell, which, in the context of the book, symbolizes the relatively privileged conditions of a Soviet research-prison compared to harsher labor camps.

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Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn based The First Circle on his own experiences of being a political prisoner in the Soviet Union, giving the narrative an authentic and personal perspective.

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Book Details

Pages

580

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

Russian Literature

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Historical Fiction

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Philosophy

Setting