Talent and Other Stories

Written by Anton Chekhov

Narrated by Max Bollinger

Audio book collection of Chekhov's short story works featuring: "Talent", "Anyuta", "The Helpmate", "Ivan Matveyitch", "Polinka". Read in English, unabridged, and accompanied by Tchaikovskiy piano music.

In "The Helpmate," the story centers on a woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage and her husband's attempts to find her a suitable replacement. Chekhov deftly uses irony and symbolism to illuminate the characters' inner lives and the futility of their situation. The result is a moving and insightful tale that speaks to the universal experience of longing for love and connection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Interactive Media
• Release date: Sep 1, 2010
• ISBN: 9781907832284

Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) was a Russian doctor, short-story writer, and playwright. Born in the port city of Taganrog, Chekhov was the third child of Pavel, a grocer and devout Christian, and Yevgeniya, a natural storyteller. His father, a violent and arrogant man, abused his wife and children and would serve as the inspiration for many of the writer’s most tyrannical and hypocritical characters. Chekhov studied at the Greek School in Taganrog, where he learned Ancient Greek. In 1876, his father’s debts forced the family to relocate to Moscow, where they lived in poverty while Anton remained in Taganrog to settle their finances and finish his studies. During this time, he worked odd jobs while reading extensively and composing his first written works. He joined his family in Moscow in 1879, pursuing a medical degree while writing short stories for entertainment and to support his parents and siblings. In 1876, after finishing his degree and contracting tuberculosis, he began writing for St. Petersburg’s Novoye Vremya, a popular paper which helped him to launch his literary career and gain financial independence. A friend and colleague of Leo Tolstoy, Maxim Gorky, and Ivan Bunin, Chekhov is remembered today for his skillful observations of everyday Russian life, his deeply psychological character studies, and his mastery of language and the rhythms of conversation.

Reviews for Talent and Other Stories

[bongo_x_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

These are slice of life stories, they aren’t complete tales, they don’t always have obvious points, beginnings or endings. Many times it feels like you’ve just read a chapter from another book. They’re not happy stories for the most part and aren’t going to leave a smile on your face. But they’re really, really good. Simple, direct, and straight to the heart of the characters, the people of Russia of 100 years ago.

Now I need to find more.

[wktarin · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Boring at times, piquant at others.

[Arnold Omigie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting read, really like the dialogue used by Chekhov