<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: not all my favorites but a fairly good selection
Review: I'm a big fan of Chekhov's earlier, shorter stories, which are more plot and less "atmosphere", like the earlier selections in this book. It's clear to see how the early 1880's Chekhov was influenced by Guy de Maupassant's stories , an influence he acknowledged. Chekhov is equally adept at dealing with both serious and comical themes in his fiction. And although he's best known for his plays, his finest stories too stand the test of time, both in re-creating a historically accurate portrait of Russia and its people in the late 19th century, but also in giving us memorable characters and their stories to enjoy. Although his stories are often sad or tragic, Chekhov writes about these Russians with a real sympathy and understanding that is endearing to the reader. This collection of over 30 of his stories covers the span of his whole literary career, from the early 1880's to 1903, the year before his death. David Rehak
author of "Love and Madness"
Rating: 
Summary: Poor translations
Review: I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Constance Garnett ruins Chekhov for me. Her work is reprinted for financial reasons, not artistic ones. Want to read "good" Chekhov? Read Robert Payne or Ann Dunnigan's translations. Yarmolinsky is good too. Rosa La Luna
Rating:
Summary: Poor translations
Review: I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Constance Garnett ruins Chekhov for me. Her work is reprinted for financial reasons, not artistic ones. Want to read "good" Chekhov? Read Robert Payne or Ann Dunnigan's translations. Yarmolinsky is good too. Rosa La Luna
Rating: 
Summary: One of the peaks of literary history
Review: In over 35 years of reading adult literature, these are my all-time favorite works. Chekhov has an uncanny and incomparable ability: virtually nothing happens in many of his stories, yet as you close the book you are aware that something deep and wonderful about human character has been revealed. Chekhov has often been described as being unsurpassed in describing the RUSSIAN character, but I find his descriptions of people, their insecurities and their relationships, to be universal. If you read books for the action, the color, or the conflict, you will find little of it here. All you will find is quiet and penetrating insight into what it means to be a human being living with other human beings.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best collections for readers as well as writers
Review: This collection will expose you to not only some of the best short stories by Anton Chekhov, but some of the best stories ever written in any language. Chekhov's sense of mood and characters overrides his need to provide a predictable plot. He is the forerunner for America's beloved Hemingway, Raymond Carver, and may others in between. People may criticize some of Chekhov's Romantic devices and tendencies, but no one can deny the exactitude of his writing. His work is simple and does not rely heavily on existential characters and events, creating a timeless air. For writers (and interested readers), there is an appendage of letters that Chekhov wrote to friends about writing. His advice is so right and simple that you'll wonder why your favorite author, or even you, didn't think of them first. Chekhov turns out to be a rather arrogant guy, claiming he never spent more than a day on a story and that his only job was "to be talented," but that is part of his charm. He is the link to modern fiction that is often forgotten. Buy or check out this book. It is a must.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best collections for readers as well as writers
Review: This collection will expose you to not only some of the best short stories by Anton Chekhov, but some of the best stories ever written in any language. Chekhov's sense of mood and characters overrides his need to provide a predictable plot. He is the forerunner for America's beloved Hemingway, Raymond Carver, and may others in between. People may criticize some of Chekhov's Romantic devices and tendencies, but no one can deny the exactitude of his writing. His work is simple and does not rely heavily on existential characters and events, creating a timeless air. For writers (and interested readers), there is an appendage of letters that Chekhov wrote to friends about writing. His advice is so right and simple that you'll wonder why your favorite author, or even you, didn't think of them first. Chekhov turns out to be a rather arrogant guy, claiming he never spent more than a day on a story and that his only job was "to be talented," but that is part of his charm. He is the link to modern fiction that is often forgotten. Buy or check out this book. It is a must.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent introduction to the short fiction of Chekov.
Review: This is something of the most precious literature I own. Of all the greatest short story writers; Gorky, Korolenko, Maupassant, Hemingway, Bashevis Singer and latest William Trevor - Chekov was the greatest of them all. Fantastic!!!
<< 1 >>
| 
