Cancer Ward by Alexander Solzhenitsyn (Vintage 1974 Edition)

“Cancer Ward” is a novel by Russian author and Nobel laureate Alexander Solzhenitsyn, first published in 1968. The novel is set in a Soviet-era cancer ward and follows the experiences of its diverse group of patients, doctors, and staff.

The novel explores themes such as mortality, illness, politics, and the human condition. It depicts the emotional and psychological struggles of the patients as they face their own mortality and come to terms with their pasts. The novel also explores the social and political issues of Soviet-era Russia, including censorship, repression, and the struggle for individual freedom.

Solzhenitsyn’s writing style is characterized by his attention to detail and his ability to evoke a sense of place and atmosphere. He also uses humor and irony to offset the serious themes of the novel.

“Cancer Ward” was praised for its honest portrayal of life in the Soviet Union and its exploration of complex ethical issues related to illness and mortality. It has been translated into many languages and remains a classic of 20th-century literature.