“The purpose of my book is to show how the system of terror planned by Stalin was brought to life. Trying to be as objective as possible, I almost do not make generalizations and conclusions in my book, but simply talk about what I saw and experienced in a Soviet concentration camp during my five years there.” (S. Maksimov) “Maksimov gives impeccably truthful sketches of forced labor in Soviet concentration camps. The collection of his stories is warmed with compassion for man. But this compassion is not pitiful, but courageous...” (V.K. Zavalishin)