The House of the Dead ~ Entire Book

Eckhart Aurelius Hughes · Post by **Scott** » 23 Dec 2007, 22:36

This is the final discussion thread for The House of the Dead. Feel free to discuss the whole book here. If you have not read the whole book yet, do not read this thread until you do because this thread will contain spoilers.

What do you think of the book? What part did you find most interesting?

I have not finished the book, so I will wait to join the discussion here until I have. (I'll be done tonight or some time tomorrow.)

Thanks,
Scott

mwo · Post by **mwo** » 11 Jan 2008, 18:56

It took me about 10 days to finish this book, much longer than I'd anticipated. That's mainly due to its narrative structure, which reads like a collection short essays on different aspects of prison life. Various characters are introduced, though rarely expanded upon, which made it difficult to keep track of them, let alone feel any emotional attachment toward them. But that is also what makes this a sincere account of life in prison, free of the melodrama and forced plot devices that mar similar stories. The main character never attempts to solicit guilt from the reader, nor does he dramatize what he depicts. Life in prison is seen for what it is: A dull, tedious, painful existence wherein each day blends into the next. It is a difficult book to read, but I appreciate Dostoyevsky's terrific writing style as well as the philosophical anecdotes he conveys on life both in and out of prison.

Eckhart Aurelius Hughes · Post by **Scott** » 11 Jan 2008, 19:00

I found it surprising unemotional overall. Most prison books attempt to make prison seem so horrible. He talked about it very dryly. It is definitely a unique, and I am glad I read it.

mwo · Post by **mwo** » 11 Jan 2008, 20:08

I like how the main character mentions that the outsiders' views on life in prison are exaggerated, as well as how apprehensive they become when they encounter prisoners. I'll admit that I'm completely ignorant on what prison life is like, but this book's account seems more believable than the ones that feature routine stabbings and escape attempts.

siva22 · Post by **siva22** » 14 Oct 2008, 12:22

I have taken 15 days to complete this book.I like the content of the book.Well this book is all about prison life.Thanks to author.
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siva

siva22 · Post by **siva22** » 14 Oct 2008, 12:23

I have taken 15 days to complete this book.I like the content of the book.Well this book is all about prison life.Thanks to author.
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siva

siva22 · Post by **siva22** » 14 Oct 2008, 12:24

I have taken 15 days to complete this book.I like the content of the book.Well this book is all about prison life.Thanks to author.
--------
siva

siva22 · Post by **siva22** » 14 Oct 2008, 12:24

I have taken 15 days to complete this book.I like the content of the book.Well this book is all about prison life.Thanks to author.
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Siva

http://www.sreevyshcorp.in

Himanshu · Post by **Himanshu** » 24 Oct 2008, 01:38

Alexander Petrovitch Goriantchikoff is a mid-19th century nobleman who was convicted of killing his wife through jealousy. He was sentenced to 10 years in jail in Siberia. This novel is his observations of life in that prison.

The Siberian prison is the "House of the Dead." This first person narrative novel dicusses the conditions in the prison, the personalities of the different prisoners, how class distinction exists even in confinement, and how he adjusts to his new lifestyle. This book is an observation of life.

eva6206213 · Post by **eva6206213** » 23 Nov 2008, 22:50

Thank you for your info~

http://www.usfine.com

Hunt · Post by **Hunt** » 26 Nov 2008, 10:50

I loved it! It talked about prison and things like that - which the author did justice

I read it a while a go though...should dust it up and read it again.

jose43 · Post by **jose43** » 01 Jan 2009, 14:13

New Year GIFT, a Free Book Reading Portal is being launched! I am talking about Great Rare Books available for free reading at http://www.GreatRareBooks.com and they claim to have over 100,000 Rare Books ready to post! They are uploading books on priority you demand them to load first!

Guys, I think we should encourage them…Lets have a look at it

Chris