Scan barcode
bit101's review against another edition
4.0
My first reading of Chekhov. Very readable and engaging. Each character's viewpoint was compelling but the flaws were also obvious. The resolution felt a bit dubious. While I like the transformations each character went through, I'm not entirely sure what the lesson was. A duel can bring about positive changes? Things have to reach a boiling point where people are ready to kill each other before they get better? Maybe... It is likely that each character would have gone on being the way they were if nothing else had happened. Good questions. Good thinking material.
lugburz's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
dostoevskyle's review against another edition
5.0
i love you, nikolay vassilitch von koren (you would probably put a bullet straight through my head)
timseant's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
carmenx9's review against another edition
4.0
The fact that the characters didn't know how to duel so were referencing other Russian literature absolutely killed me, Chekhov is a comic genius
'A silence followed. Boyko took a pair of pistols out of a box; one was given to Von Koren and one to Laevsky, and then there followed a difficulty which afforded a brief amusement to the zoologist and the seconds. It appeared that of all the people present not one had ever in his life been at a duel, and no one knew precisely how they ought to stand, and what the seconds ought to say and do. But then Boyko remembered and began, with a smile, to explain.
"Gentlemen, who remembers the description in Lermontov?" asked Von Koren, laughing. "In Turgenev, too, Bazarov had a duel with some one. . . ."
"There's no need to remember," said Ustimovitch impatiently. "Measure the distance, that's all."'
'A silence followed. Boyko took a pair of pistols out of a box; one was given to Von Koren and one to Laevsky, and then there followed a difficulty which afforded a brief amusement to the zoologist and the seconds. It appeared that of all the people present not one had ever in his life been at a duel, and no one knew precisely how they ought to stand, and what the seconds ought to say and do. But then Boyko remembered and began, with a smile, to explain.
"Gentlemen, who remembers the description in Lermontov?" asked Von Koren, laughing. "In Turgenev, too, Bazarov had a duel with some one. . . ."
"There's no need to remember," said Ustimovitch impatiently. "Measure the distance, that's all."'
bejoym's review against another edition
3.0
As is bandied about in all the reviews I've seen, Chekhov's "The Duel" is a morality tale. Although an interesting look at contrasting views of life, work, love and duty, it is more exposition than narrative fiction. Certainly the fact that it is a translated work, and the version I listened to had quite wooden narration played some part in it. Nonetheless, I found this to be more interesting than enjoyable.
bloodbth's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rachelevolve's review against another edition
4.0
I did not expect this book to make me laugh, and I especially didn't expect it to be so good. I picked it up on a whim at the local bookstore. I knew I one day wanted to read something by Anton Chekhov, and this seemed like a cautionary introduction to his work since it's just 161 pages long. I actually enjoyed his style of writing more than Tolstoys. Tolstoy took himself too seriously and did not seem to have a sense of humor. Looks like Checkhov did.
To me this book is a petite morality manifesto. I wish modern-day writers would address morality issues more often and more seriously, if at all. It makes me feel terribly old-fashioned and prudish, but it seems that anyone who gets anywhere near the subject of morality comes off as a total fanatic fundamentalist wack-job. The only other respectable writer who addresses morality issues with such vehement passion was Tolstoy, which is why I loved the Kreutzer Sonata. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more of Chekhovs work. Any recommendations are appreciated.
To me this book is a petite morality manifesto. I wish modern-day writers would address morality issues more often and more seriously, if at all. It makes me feel terribly old-fashioned and prudish, but it seems that anyone who gets anywhere near the subject of morality comes off as a total fanatic fundamentalist wack-job. The only other respectable writer who addresses morality issues with such vehement passion was Tolstoy, which is why I loved the Kreutzer Sonata. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more of Chekhovs work. Any recommendations are appreciated.
matthewjtanner7's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was an excellent illustration of redemption. Loved the final passage.