kamna's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
evstank's review against another edition
5.0
Considered to be the greatest short story writer of all time, Anton Chekhov defined this style of writing and touched upon profound philosophical insights. His main practice as a doctor during the latter half of the 19th century in Russia heavily influenced the subject of his writing and plays. A compilation of thirty of his greatest stories, Chekhov explores medicine, philosophy, class struggle, mortality, purpose, family, and humanism. My favorite stories picked in this book are In Exile, Gusev, Ward no. 6, The black monk, The House with the Mezzanine, A Medical Case, and The Fiancee. Celeste I think you would enjoy this book for its subject material.
wshier's review against another edition
4.0
Rating a collection of short stories is always difficult. There are a few 3's, a lot of 4's, and even some 5's: A Boring Story, Ward No. 6, The Student, A Medical Case, and In the Ravine, among others. All are worth reading, and some should be read by everyone.
gavstaff's review against another edition
5.0
my first batch of short stories and boy these were wonderful. A witty reveal of some small yet moving part of the human condition with each story.
fucheese's review against another edition
5.0
Simply a master of his craft. Chekhov uses such simple language to create profound emotion. He shows human nature for what it is: raw, ugly, and never straight forward. Yet he shows how far kindness and turning your life around can take us. “Gooseberries” is the best one. “Rothschild’s Fiddle” is a good one too. Read them.
heshotmedown's review against another edition
5.0
Τσέχοφ.. Καυστικός με τα πάντα και τους πάντες, ασκώντας την πιο έντονη και έγκυρη κριτική στην κοινωνία και τους ανθρώπους που την απαρτίζουν
allyb123's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
stormhawk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
An awesome collection of short stories. However, all have the same tone of human suffering, sadness in late 19th century Russia. I see why Chekhov is so popular - the witting is fantastic. I will definitely be reading more of his stuff. Just a bit on the bleak side.
libkatem's review against another edition
4.0
Chekov is fun, in a dark sort of way. :) The Bear is my absolute favorite.