Super Short Summary

The Industry of Souls by Martin Booth follows Alexander "Shurik" Bayless, an elderly British man who, after being unjustly imprisoned in a Soviet gulag, settles in the remote Russian village of Myshkino, forming deep bonds with the villagers. An official and a cousin from England arrive to invite him back home, but Shurik decides to stay, valuing the relationships he has built in Myshkino. The novel explores themes of human connection and resilience through Shurik's experiences in the gulag and his life in the village. The book includes sensitive topics such as imprisonment and the harsh conditions of labor camps.