Sakhalin Island

10 hrs. 28 min.

Miscellaneous

Language Russian

Author Anton Chekhov

Narrator Vadim Krivosheyev

Description

In 1890, Anton Chekhov, who had already become a famous writer in Russia, made a unique journey to Sakhalin Island—known as the place of exile for convicts. Chekhov sought to present an objective study that contrasted with official views of life on Sakhalin, and to create a detailed and truthful portrait of penal servitude in order to draw public attention to a place where people suffer unbearable torment. As a result of this journey, the books “From Siberia” and “Sakhalin Island” were produced, leaving a deep impression on Russian readers. The newspapers praised Chekhov’s work highly, stating that even if Chekhov had written nothing else, his name would still be preserved in the history of Russian literature thanks to this book.

Something unusual for Russia happened: after the book was published and public debate erupted, the government was forced to revise the laws concerning the holding of convicts and exiled persons.