Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Anton Chekhov's Short Stories

Humor & tales from the past.

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.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

The great and the glitch

Chekhov and Fry dispense introductions: larger than life writer and fantastic performer. Hearing Chekov's poignant stories with Stephen's unique acting is a treat. But the audio book is very poorly edited: chapters are cut off before really ending and one can barely hear the story's name at the beginning.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Stories need to be separated better

These short stories are interesting and well read by Stephen Fry, however, the editing is very poor, the last word of one story then the title of the next are read like a sentence, sometimes I'm sure some of the words are cut off.
Very poor indeed.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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

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...

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Interesting

This is the first time I've read (or listened to) Anton Chekhov, and some interesting plots and scenes are described that will probably make me look through his work for something more substantial.

The book is expertly read by Stephen Fry. I'm a big fan of his narrative style and so that was always going to be a plus point for me.

I really like this short story series, as it gives you an insight into the styles of these authors.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Virtuoso

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.

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

I wish there was more<br />

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

An absolute joy

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.

Entertaining and well-read

The stories are entertaining. Stephen brings the characters and the circustances of the stories alive with his rich range of expression.

you can't fault Chekhov

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I like Stephen Fry, but I was not convinced by his reading. But what really annoyed me were the announcements of the stories, very fast and with almost no time to breathe in between two stories- as if they tried to record as many stories as possible in a short period of time.

What did you like best about this story?

question does not apply - they are multiple stories - really annoying these generic questionnaires

What three words best describe Stephen Fry’s voice?

Ahhhh for goodness' sake...

Could you see Stephen Fry Presents a Selection of Anton Chekhov's Short Stories being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

Now that is just ridiculous

Any additional comments?

Stop giving us questions to answer,it makes no sense for review!

3 of 7 people found this review helpful