A review by octavia_cade
The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov
fast-paced
3.0
This is one of those books that has been on my reading list for years. For all of those years, I do admit, I have managed to avoid knowing anything about the story, other than it involved an orchard (not a great deduction, considering). I've finally got around to reading it, and honestly: the introduction was the most interesting thing about it, being very clear and informative. Don't get me wrong; I enjoyed the play. It didn't bowl me over or anything, but until the time comes when I'm able to see it performed - the real measure of a play is in the performance - my opinion will be one of perfect adequacy. There are some nice character touches, but even so I'm not really that interested in any of the people here. I suppose I feel most sorry for Madame Lyubov, the last owner of the orchard, although she's so determinedly ineffectual that the sorrow is very shallow and doesn't last long.
Apparently Chekhov thought of this as a comedy. I can't see why, unless the Russian propensity for black humour is even grimmer than I imagined. Still... maybe it's funnier on stage.
Apparently Chekhov thought of this as a comedy. I can't see why, unless the Russian propensity for black humour is even grimmer than I imagined. Still... maybe it's funnier on stage.