One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich

A totally absorbing and engrossing read, by turns brutal, tough, heartbreaking, but ultimately a triumph of human spirit over inhumanity. I couldn't put it down - the story draws you in in a slow, measured way and once you're gripped you are living that day in Ivan's life. The writing is extraordinary - the minute details of the day, of how he gets by, of survival, and of the fine line between living for each day and seeing some hope in the future is pitched perfectly. And there is a lot of humanity too. Caring for others; understanding the viewpoints of the guards and the hierarchy; and the importance of those minutes that you have to yourself and are truly yours are so precious. It is only at the end that you realise you have read 143 pages of one day. Ivan has already lived that life for eight years monotonously and has another two to go - possibly! Just an astounding book that will definitely get students talking!