Vladimir Kara-Murza

"Notes from a Dead House" (also known as "The House of the Dead") is a semi-autobiographical novel offering a stark portrayal of prison life in Siberia. Dostoevsky's own experiences as a political prisoner deeply influenced the novel's themes and characters. The narrative explores the psychological impact of confinement, the degradation of human dignity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through vivid descriptions and introspective monologues, Dostoevsky captures the harsh realities of the prison environment. The book serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of punishment, freedom, and the search for meaning in extreme circumstances.

Written in 1978, 'The Power of the Powerless' is a seminal essay by Václav Havel that critiques the post-totalitarian systems of Eastern Europe. The essay, which was circulated in samizdat form, argues that individuals living within such systems must 'live in truth' to challenge the pervasive lies and ideological control of the state. Havel uses the example of a greengrocer displaying a communist slogan to illustrate the mechanisms of compliance and the potential for resistance. The book, edited by John Keane, includes responses from various contributors and provides a broad spectrum of democratic opinions on freedom, power, and civil liberty under totalitarian conditions.

The Gulag Archipelago is a three-volume series written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, exploring the Soviet labour camp system through a mix of historical narrative, personal accounts, and literary investigation. The book traces the history of the Gulag from Vladimir Lenin's decrees to the era of Nikita Khrushchev, detailing the arrest, conviction, transport, and imprisonment of prisoners. It includes Solzhenitsyn's own experiences as a Gulag prisoner and accounts from other inmates, highlighting the brutal conditions, forced labor, and the psychological and physical suffering of the prisoners. The work is a testament to the human spirit's struggle against evil and serves as a comprehensive critique of the Soviet regime's use of terror against its population.