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Short stories by Anton Chekhov

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Short stories by Anton Chekhov

By: Anton Chekhov, Constance Garnet - translator
Narrated by: Stephen Fry
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Immerse yourself in a world where the wonderful Stephen Fry reads some of the more memorable short stories of our time. A brilliant combination of reader and writer come together in these seven short stories available on digital download only.

Immerse yourself in a world where the wonderful Stephen Fry reads some of the more memorable short stories of our time. Stephen's voice takes you into a different kind of listening experience, enabling you to imagine narrative, settings, places and people with vivid colour and meaning. Enjoy the work of one of the most celebrated writers in world literature – Russian playwright and short story writer Anton Chekov. A brilliant combination of reader and writer come together in these seven short stories available on digital download only. Includes An Avenger, A Blunder, Boys, The Huntsman, The Lady with the Dog, Misery and Oysters.

 Classics Short Story
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Critic reviews

“Stephen’s voice is so full of character and emotion that he brings these stories to life. And, obviously, they are read by a Great Britain (meant in every sense of the word), so Wilde’s stories are brought back where they belong and have been acceptedwith open arms”

“No one else could bring these stories to life like Stephen Fry. truly wonderful”
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Chekhov is said to be one of the World's most admired playwrights/authors among thespians. Part of the reason for this is that few have read him & he sounds bewilderingly hard to get into (similar to the reputation of James Joyce or Dostoyevsky).

The fact is that he isn't really that daunting and his short stories are accessible & often fun. Couple this with having the Master of Eloquent Simplification reading it (and a good translater in Constance Garnet) and you will find that this download makes an excellent introduction to Chekhov.

In all there are 7 stories of about 5-15 minutes each (Story 5, though, is 40 minutes):

1. An Avenger
2. A Blunder
3. Boys
4. The Huntsman
5. The Lady and the Dog
6. Misery
7. Oysters

One thing I would say is that it did take me two full listens to really get into the stories, so this is not for those who want easy, light reading.
However, when compared to Dickens, it is light as a Fairy Cake.

Overall this download is a rewarding experience. I would say though that 7 stories (& 80 minutes of material) is a bit mean on the part of the publishers. There is also the fact that Stephen Fry has recorded better audio downloads (e.g. ? Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Oscar Wilde's Short Stories ? & ?Fry and Laurie Read Daudet and Jerome?), which are worth trying before this as they are simpler & more complete.

Still, if you want to gain a foothold in the World of Chekhov, then there are few better places to start than this book. Unless, of course, you happen to be a Russian Bear...

'He's a Russian Bear - give him some Chekhov...'

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Humorous characterisations in well-developed vignettes of pre-revolutionary Russia. A glimpse of the every day and the absurd that still works on many levels.
A good collection that will satisfy.

Humor & tales from the past.

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What did you like most about Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Anton Chekhov's Short Stories?

Short stories appear to be the perfect vehicle for audible. Here, raconteur par excellence, Stephen Fry does justice to Chekov's stories. His "Oysters!" still ringing in my head. Intriguing, enetertaining and it for people with a short attention spam.

What about Stephen Fry’s performance did you like?

The accents, the jumping in and out of characters, the clear love he has for these stories. It absolutely shines through.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's a collection o short stories that make you think and certainly have a darker side to them.

An absolute joy

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Anton Chekhov's short stories are more numerous than his plays but harder to appreciate: as plays they are economical with means - no fireworks of plot here - but the absence of actors means there is little emotion to balance the close minute observations of the world. Here, Stephen Fry offers magnificient show, that almost elevates the stories to the emotional level of playacting on stage, though he seems never to go over the top; it is a cearfully studied and controlled performance with a feel of great spontanity at the same time.

Virtuoso

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As an introduction to chekhov this has left me wanting more. The avenger was my favourite.

I wish there was more<br />

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