The novel portrays the life of convicts in a Siberian prison camp. It is generally considered to be a fictionalized memoir; a loosely knit collection of experiences, events and philosophical discussion based on Dostoevsky's experiences as a prisoner, organized around theme and character rather than plot. Dostoevsky spent four years in a forced-labor prison camp in Siberia following his conviction for involvement in the Petrashevsky Circle. This experience allowed him to describe with great authenticity the conditions of prison life and the characters of the convicts.

Translation of Zapiski iz mertvogo doma.