'Kolyma Tales' by Varlam Shalamov is a collection of short stories that vividly depict life in the Soviet forced labor camps of Kolyma. The stories are set in the harsh conditions of the far east of Russian Siberia, portraying the struggles and resilience of ordinary people caught up in terrible circumstances. Shalamov's writing style is described as understated, ordinary yet extraordinary, and more like Chekhov in its portrayal of life in a white hell. The book provides a stark and unflinching look at the daily lives, hopes, and fears of the prisoners in the Gulag system.

Characters:

The characters are depicted as ordinary individuals who struggle for survival in a harsh, oppressive environment, lacking hope or inspiration.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is notable for its conciseness, objectivity, and a dry tone, reflecting on the experiences without moralizing.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot consists of a collection of brief narratives documenting life in the Kolyma labor camps, emphasizing the struggles of survival and the grim reality faced by the author and fellow prisoners.

Setting:

Set in the harsh and unforgiving labor camps of Kolyma, the setting is characterized by severe cold and brutal living conditions.

Pacing:

Pacing is brisk, with each story offering a succinct snapshot of life in the gulags.

They were playing cards on Naumov’s berth in the barracks for the mine’s horse-drivers. The overseer on duty never looked into that barracks, since he considered that his main duty was to keep an eye ...

Notes:

Varlam Shalamov was a Russian writer who spent 17 years in the Gulag system.

Kolyma Tales is a collection of short stories about Shalamov's experiences in a Siberian labor camp.

Unlike Solzhenitsyn, Shalamov uses a dry and neutral tone in his storytelling.

The stories in Kolyma Tales lack moralizing and focus on bleak survival.

Shalamov's writing is noted for its icy detachment and unflinching portrayal of life in the Gulags.

The forewords compare Shalamov's work to a mosaic made of tiny, carefully crafted pieces.

The stories avoid any sense of hope or redemption, emphasizing the harsh realities of Gulag life.

Kolyma Tales was written between 1954 and 1973 and published posthumously.

Shalamov's stories are often described as haunting and evocative, making a profound emotional impact.

Kolyma Tales explores the absurdities of life under brutal conditions where survival is the only focus.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high triggers/content warnings for themes of extreme violence, suffering, death, and psychological trauma.

From The Publisher:

It is estimated that some three million people died in the Soviet forced-labour camps of Kolyma, in the northeastern area of Siberia. Shalamov himself spent seventeen years there, and in these stories he vividly captures the lives of ordinary people caught up in terrible circumstances, whose hopes and plans extended to further than a few hours.

This new enlarged edition combines two collections previously published in the United States as Kolyma Tales and Graphite.

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About the Author:

Varlam Shalamov (1907-1982) was a Russian writer, poet, and journalist. He survived 17 years of incarceration in the Gulag for speaking out against the Soviet Union. His collection of essays, Kolyma Tales, details his experiences under the Soviet government.

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Kolyma Tales

Varlam Shalamov