A.P. Chekhov

Advantages: Well-written
Disadvantages: Horrible characters

...Introduction I can't claim to be an expert on Russian 19th century literature, but one thing I don't associate with it is crime fiction; so I was surprised to pick this book up and find that it was crime fiction. I was also surprised it was a novel, again, something I don't associate with Chekhov. This is, in fact, the only full length novel that Chekhov ever wrote; he is better known for his plays and short stories. There is a literary argument about whether Chekhov was influenced by British detective fiction, such as Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins, or, as seems more likely, he was influenced by French detective fiction, such as Gaboriau. Whatever, this book is an interesting take on detective fiction in 19th century Russian. The author Anton Chekhov, born in 1860, graduated from the medical faculty of Moscow University. He... Read review

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Advantages: Great play from the father of modern drama
Disadvantages: Some people will never get it

...are unfamiliar to Ibsen and his works - I would reccommend A Doll's House and Ghosts before tackling this. It is also advisable to buy Ibsen and other similar play texts (Strindberg, Chekhov, Brieux, Hauptmann) in a edition that includes an introduction (eg. Penguin World Classics) as this will provide an invaluable background to the theatre movement spearheaded by Ibsen. If you are familiar with Ibsen or the early modern theatre and have not yet read Hedda Gabler then you are missing out on a great play. The major central and title role for a female actor surpasses even that of A Doll's House, and the play is a devastating attack on 19th century European respectability and moral facades.... Read review

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Advantages: Dostoevsky at his best - for just £1.50
Disadvantages: It is long - but in a good way

.../or Chekhov then you will certainly enjoy this novel. If you've never read Russian literature before this book is easily accessible, although perhaps not considered one of the definitive canonical texts. Don't be put off by the length, the language is flowing. However, if you feel that you would like a little taster before plunging into the big works, there are numerous collections of Dostoevsky's short stories which introduce his style and prose - e.g. The Honest Thief, White Nights, and A Gentle Spirit.... Read review

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