Excellent People

Written by Anton Chekhov

Narrated by Max Bollinger

"Excellent People" by Anton Chekhov is a poignant and introspective story that revolves around the lives of Vladimir Semyonitch Liadovsky and his sister, Vera Semyonovna. Vladimir is a self-proclaimed literary man, passionate about his writing and aspiring for greater recognition. Meanwhile, Vera, a woman doctor, leads a life overshadowed by past tragedies and her devotion to her brother. Despite their contrasting personalities, they share a deep bond. "Excellent People" delves into themes of purpose, existential questioning, and the clash between idealism and pragmatism. Chekhov skilfully captures the complexities of human relationships and the internal struggles of individuals as they navigate their desires and beliefs. Through the contrasting perspectives of the two siblings, the story explores the profound impact of differing ideologies on their bond, leaving the reader with a thought-provoking reflection on the pursuit of personal passions and the search for meaning in life. Read in English, unabridged.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Interactive Media
• Release date: Jan 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781911144939

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.