Reading Chekhov
Book description
To illuminate the mysterious greatness of Anton Chekhovâs writings, Janet Malcolm takes on three roles: literary critic, biographer, and journalist. Her close readings of the stories and plays are interwoven with episodes from Chekhovâs life and framed by an account of Malcolmâs journey to St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Yalta. SheâŠ
Why read it?
2 authors picked Reading Chekhov as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This is a wonderfully lively and revealing investigation into the life and work of Anton Chekhov. The book is also partly the story of Janet Malcolmâs pilgrimage to the cities in Russia where Chekhov lived and worked.
Her reading of Chekhovâs work is complemented by events from Chekhovâs personal life and letters. I have been a fan of Janet Malcolm for years because Iâm captivated by her searing intelligence, her keen eye, and her ironic wit.
On her pilgrimage to Russia, Malcolmâs complicated relationship with her controlling Russian guide offers some truly hilarious moments.
Suspicious of biography, Malcolm dissects various myths about Chekhovâs death in this engaging book that mixes travel writing with acute readings of Chekhovâs stories and plays. As Malcolm visits some of the places crucial to Chekhovâs life and work (the scenes in Ukraine are of course poignant), she moves seamlessly between her own everyday experiences and the predicaments of Chekhovâs characters. In amongst the despair, disappointment, and absurdity she discovers beauty, humor, and occasional visions of hope.
From Edward's list on loss and discovery.
If you love Reading Chekhov...
Want books like Reading Chekhov?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Reading Chekhov.