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The Chekhov Collection of Short Stories

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The Chekhov Collection of Short Stories

By: Anton Chekhov
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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About this listen

Whilst Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) is perhaps best for his plays such as Uncle Vanya and The Seagull, he was also a prolific author of short stories.

In this exclusive collection, Audible presents six of his most-celebrated short stories, chosen and performed by Richard Armitage.

Richard, whose interest in the work of Chekhov was sparked by his appearance as Astrov in a stage production of Uncle Vanya, also introduces the collection with a brief overview of each of the stories and his thoughts on why Chekhov’s short stories are not to be missed.

The collection contains the following stories:

'Ward 6'

In a mental asylum, a patient comes into conflict with a director of the institution.

'The Kiss'

During a party, a man becomes infatuated by a woman who accidentally kisses him in the dark.

'Betrothed'

A young woman strives to asset her independence by choosing education over an arranged marriage.

'The Black Monk'

An ageing scholar experiences strange hallucinations.

Is he a genius, or is he insane?

'Neighbours'

A beautiful young woman subverts society expectations by going to live with her neighbour, an older, married man.

'The Student'

A depressed young student has his spirits lifted by recounting an religious story to two strangers.

Public Domain (P)2020 Audible, Ltd Classics Short Story Funny Inspiring Student Short Stories Classics Literature Collection

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Richard Armitage records Chekhov short stories at home

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I really enjoyed this, but agree with another reviewer who mentions the translation. It would be really helpful to know who the translator is when the books aren’t originally written in English. It seems such an oversight.

Brilliant

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Another superlative and emotive performance by Richard Armitage, truly blissful to experience such a journey.

Beautiful narrative.

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I’d seen the production of Uncle Vanya but this collection of short stories was new. In a sense the circumstances are dated as are the characters but the human condition and emotions are timeless. It’s serious sober writing, with nightmarish scenarios which are intense and dark; of love, philosophy religion and disease, usually TB; an insight of Russia before the revolution. These are classics, compulsory reading for the committed but unlikely to reach mainstream again.

Intense

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Richard Armitage really brings Chekov's stories alive. His voice is superbly suited to the thoughtful, typically Russian characters and their deep inner life.

Great stories, superb narrator

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I enjoyed the listing ,the stories were short but interesting. Excellent reading calm voice , pleasure to listing .

Interesting listening

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An excellent reading of one of the worlds best writers of short stories, There is not a word too many and there is depth in every story. Still the stories does not touch me in the way I thought they would

The perfect writer of short stories

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I don't know how to explain these stories, I don't think I've ever read or listened to anything quite like them. It's a bit like looking into someone else's daydreams. They're full of the mundane and the fantastical. It's a bit like Chekhov imagines the lives of others and lives them for them full of hope and vibrancy in his head, but his melancholy comes through in the background. Maybe it's because Chekhov himself died relatively young and suffered ill health, maybe there's a longing to live.

Tangled daydreams of hope & melancholy

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These stories are an interesting complement to the plays. So sad, so melancholic and so modern. Chekhov holds a mirror up to the human condition in which we can all see ourselves reflected. One story deals with mental illness, showing that little has changed since the 19th century. Excellent reading by Richard Armitage.

Dr Chekhov Empathises

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Lived it. Good translation. The great writer is so underdone in the west. Great choice of stories, particularly the student and the black monk but all really. In future might like the lady with the little dog or peasants. Loved Richards narration, great to hear a northern voice for once. I am a southerner but I am a bit fed up of plummy ott narrators. Love to hear him do more. Please note audible more northern or regional narrators, too many posh people, no need for it at all.

One of the best writers ever, read brilliantly

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As an admirer of Richard Armitage’s acting on television it was a pleasure to listen to him reading these stories.

Short Stories

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