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Damn. If you’re ever not convinced about the power of your own mind, and the absolutely critical importance of taking care of your mental health, this book might help. Really humbled me to read it during lockdown, when life feels impossibly difficult. Life IS difficult compared to what I am used to, but it’s not a winter’s day in a Russian gulag. It’s shocking that anyone ever had to endure those conditions, but I admire the mental strength of those who survived. Very humbling read.
challenging dark sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
challenging hopeful reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
dark informative reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
challenging dark reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
dark informative slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
dark informative inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

such a good book. The format is really interesting, you follow the character during a full day of 24hrs. I almost wish this was longer but at the same time I don't cause it was just right. 

I went into this pretty blind, I knew it was about Russian hard labour camps but that's it. It sounds like it'd be depressing but it wasn't. There was almost a cheerfulness. Shukov is basically having an ideal day, as ideal a day as can be had in a gulag ofc. You get pulled into a world where every bit of food, tobacco, and warmth is lifesaving. 

For some reason Alyosha has my heart. 

Yikes, Russia. What's wrong with you.