Chekhov's reputation is so high that I've been looking around for collections of his short stories; bought this one on Amazon, it's a rather odd collection but nevertheless a fine introduction.
All I've previously read of Chekhov's work - this compilation of his longer stories. I learn that he is mostly remembered for his short fiction (including items from this collection) and plays.
He must have been an entirely amazing fellow - medical practice, Sakhalin Island days, little things like that in addition to epic writing ability.
Recently saw a quote that seems apt - to the effect that the problem with short stories is that they are so difficult to remember. That's certainly the case with this collection. I genuinely looked forward to picking up the book every time I turned to it - that's typically the case, but ran at a deeper level with Chekhov's short stories, not sure why. I'll stick with the usual explanation - "he sees us" - gently illuminating our foibles, and our wonderful-ness.
I much recall his ability to portray scenes in nature, or landscapes perhaps - the sun, especially when setting or rising; wind, specific birds offering sounds, clouds, bullfrogs, the scene changing as the sun moves, a hot day - this is not important as his descriptions of his characters - but it helps make the stories entirely immersive.
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