Give "A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich" a read sometime. Powerful short book that portrays life in a Soviet gulag. Much more readable (dare I say "entertaining") than "Gulag Archipelago". Probably a pretty accurate portrayal of "Vlad the Impaler" Putin's current prisons east of the Urals.
I have to second this book recommendation. It's an eye opener in a small package.
