The Gulag Archipelago facts for kids

The Gulag Archipelago (Russian: Архипелаг ГУЛАГ) is a very important book. It was written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. The book tells the true story of the gulags. These were harsh forced labor camps in the Soviet Union. They existed from the 1930s to the 1950s.

The author, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, was a prisoner in one of these camps. He shares his own experiences in the book. He also shares stories from many other people. These people also lived through the terrible events in the camps.

The book was written over many years, from 1958 to 1968. It was first published in the West in 1973. In the Soviet Union, people shared the book secretly. This secret sharing was called samizdat. The book was officially published in the Soviet Union in 1989.

What is the Gulag Archipelago?

The word "archipelago" means a group of islands. The book uses this word to describe the camps. It compares the many labor camps to a vast chain of islands. These "islands" were spread across the Soviet Union.

Why Was This Book Written?

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wanted to tell the world. He wanted everyone to know what happened in the gulags. He believed it was important to remember. He wanted to make sure such things never happened again. The book shows how people lost their freedom. It also shows the strength of the human spirit.

The Book's Importance Today

After the Soviet Union ended, the book became very important. It helped people understand their history. Today, The Gulag Archipelago is part of the high-school curriculum in Russia. It has been a required book for students since 2009. This means many young people learn about the gulags.

Related Pages

• Le Monde's 100 Books of the Century

• The Gulag Archipelago in English:
  • Volume 1
  • Volume 2
  • Volume 3

See also

In Spanish: Archipiélago Gulag para niños