Prisoner of the OGPU: Four Years in a Soviet Labor Camp

by George William Kitchin

Prisoner of the OGPU, first published in 1935, is a first-hand account of the author's four years in the Soviet gulag (1928-32) at the hands of the Soviet secret police (known as the OGPU at the time, later renamed the NKVD, MGB, and KGB). At the time of his arrest, George Kitchin, a Finnish citizen, was working in Russia as a representative for an American firm. He was charged with violating an obscure regulation, held in prison, and then sent to a labor camp located in northern Russia where he describes the brutalities he endured and witnessed. The book also offers excellent insights into the running of the camps as Kitchin was able to work in the camp's administration offices (in addition to sometimes being sent to work on the timber-cutting and road-building labor crews). Included are 5 pages of illustrations.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2015

Reviews

[Linda Kitchens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not an easy read but important as a reminder of the cruelty of communist regimes. I had to put it down at times because I was so immersed in the world of the prisoners. I recommend it as a cautionary tale and a reminder not to take our freedoms for granted.

[Karen G Clesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This should be required reading for seniors in high school! Not enough is taught about Russia, and little to nothing is taught about Stalin's reign of terror or the Holodromo (sic). On of my best friends is high school teacher and had never heard of it!! Please read!