One of the rare Dostoevsky novels to organize itself around a central theme rather than a central story or character, The House of the Dead explores life and death in the confines of a nineteenth century Siberian prison. Largely based on Dostoevsky’s own experiences while in exile, the novel examines prison life and the brutality of the captive population, as well as that of the prison guards and administrators. Inspiring Dostoevsky to feature murder and many of other sinister elements in his later works, The House of the Dead is an essential read for historians and Dostoevsky scholars alike.