The island of Sakhalin

"Sahalin Island" by Anton Chekhov is a unique, unprecedented work of Russian literature in scale and civil courage, standing on the link of fundamental sociological research, documentary reporting and profound artistic prose. In 1890, the well-known and recognized writer Chekhov, being in a severe stage of tuberculosis, makes an incredibly difficult, dangerous journey across Siberia to the very edge of the Russian Empire — to the island of Sakhalin, a place of linking and catorga. During his three months of stay there, Cechov alone did what seemed impossible: he personally conducted a comprehensive census, filling out about 10,000 statistical cards from his hand. He entered every battle, communicated with the countrymen, settlers, officials and supervisors, entering the smallest details of their lives. The book represents an honest, deprived of pathos and sensationality, but impressing with its reliability the portrait of hell on earth. With the accuracy of the doctor and the deepest humanism of the writer Chekhov describes the unhuman conditions of life, injustice, escape, physical punishment, moral decline and the tragedy of the Sakhalin children. “Sahalin Island” is not just a documentary chronicle, but a powerful call to mercy, showing that the country has no right to remove from the lives of those whom it has sent beyond the borders of civilization. ** About what the book in three words:** Catharga, Compassion, Civil подвиг. ** to whom to read:** to the fans of creativity A.P. Chechov, lovers of quality documentary prose, travelogues and historic and sociological studies, as well as everyone who appreciates courageous, deep and honest literature.