THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Narrated through the fictional lens of Alexander Petrovich Goryanchikov, a nobleman sentenced for the murder of his wife, The House of the Dead is a semi-autobiographical novel based on Fyodor Dostoyevsky's harrowing experience as a political prisoner in a Siberian labour camp. As Goryanchikov adapts to his new environment, he observes and reflects on the diverse backgrounds and personalities of his fellow inmates. Although there are murderers, thieves, and other criminals among them, most reveal a human side that helps him maintain his faith in humanity.
Structured as a series of episodic recollections, rich in character studies and moral questioning, the novel blends realism with philosophical inquiry, offering a profound critique of the penal system and an enduring meditation on the human condition. First published in 1861, it marks a pivotal point in Dostoyevsky's literary development.