Excellent People and Other Stories

Written by Anton Chekhov

Narrated by Max Bollinger

These stories, as part of "Excellent People and Other Stories" by Anton Chekhov, showcase the author's profound understanding of human nature and his ability to depict the complexities of relationships. Through vivid storytelling and astute observations, Chekhov captures the essence of the human experience, unveiling the depths of longing, disillusionment, and resilience that exist within us all. Reading the unabridged English versions allows readers to fully immerse themselves in Chekhov's masterful prose and explore the timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. In "At Christmas Time" by Anton Chekhov, the story revolves around a group of friends who gather together during the holiday season. As they share anecdotes and engage in lively discussions, the true nature of their relationships and individual personalities gradually unfold. Chekhov skillfully explores the dynamics of friendship, exposing the complexities and contradictions that arise when people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together in a festive setting. "The Lady with the Dog" presents a captivating narrative of forbidden love. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows the chance encounter between Dmitri Gurov, a middle-aged married man, and Anna Sergeyevna, a young woman also trapped in an unhappy marriage. What begins as a casual fling evolves into a profound emotional connection that challenges the societal norms and moral expectations of the time. Chekhov delves into the characters' inner turmoil, exposing their vulnerability and the transformative power of love. Read in English, unabridged.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Interactive Media
• Release date: Jan 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781911144946

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.