HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Days of fear and hope

Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s “The House of the Dead” is one of the most powerful narratives about life in prison. A quasi-autobiographical work, the writer used the days he spent in Siberia prison to create powerful moments of sadness, fear and hope. Not many were able to be released from there, but he was one of them, and with this work he reminds everyone what it is about to be a political prisoner.

“The House of the Dead” may not be one of best works from this Russian writer, who produced masterpieces such as “Crime an Punishment” and “The Brothers Karamazov”, but still it is a vivid account of hard times. Many scenes are unforgettable, and resonate to the condition that many people live today around the world – think of the soup that the prisoners have in the first part of the book, for instance.

Dostoyevsky manages to create a living portray of many people who are forced to share the same place at the same time, however much they can’t stand each other. He is able to bring to life both human beings and animals. His description of his meeting with a dog can bring tears to the eyes of the most tough reader.

David McDuff’s translation is superb, and so is Penguin Classics edition. The book is complemented by notes on the text and a excellent introduction. However, as happens to many books in this collection, it is advisable to read the introduction after reading the novel, because it may have spoilers.

Originalmente publicado em www.Amazon.com em 18/05/06