Review: The Seagull

The Seagull by Anton Chekhov
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I should reveal that I listened to the Audible version, which turned out to be the recording the actual play, performed by the LA theater. Maybe if I had been able to see it it would've been different. Unfortunately just listening to it resulted in voices that sounded much too similar, with an array of characters and odd stock/affected laughter by the audience in moments that didn't seem to fit at all. I can't say I got much out of this. It might have been better to just read this in book version, or I could actually go see the play when I get the chance. 

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Review: The Student

The Student by Anton Chekhov
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This seemed incredibly short, but it's one of my favorite of his short stories (along with 'The Black Monk'). A chance conversation sparks a connection that fills a student with joy, while showing a complete lack of empathy. Although I'm sure I'm missing something. Still, I enjoyed it. 

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Review: Betrothed

Betrothed by Anton Chekhov
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chekhov seems better at conveying the human thought process, inner feelings and general condition in his short stories than many modern authors are with much longer books. This story was no exception. This might have been my favorite story of his so far. 

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Review: The Black Monk

The Black Monk by Anton Chekhov
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quite a haunting story. I couldn't help wondering if his being smart and happy, but then convinced to turn unintelligent and sad is an allegory for growing into adulthood. But maybe I'm projecting. 

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Review: The Master and Margarita

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At points the book really seemed to drag on, but otherwise it was certainly entertaining and enlightening (given the time and place in which it was written).

I imagine I would have gotten much more out of it had I read it in the original Russian (and had I known more about the Soviet Union during that time).

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